MONTI-LICIOUS 4/20/11

From London to Vegas it's all about the weddings this week. Las Vegas royalty is Steve Wynn who has included Donald Trump, possible presidential contender, Garth Brooks, Celine Dion and many others on the guest list but Elayne won't be in attendance. It's a three day affair, so it really is a million dollar wedding.

The wedding of the century, Kate and William, will have me glued to my television set, like so many others.

Enough about all of them. Now, about me!

This Thursday, 4/22/11, Monti Rock starts his reality show titled "What's the Point? It's All Pointless". One might say it's a reality show that's not a reality. It all takes place with my co-star Roxanne Miller, a local real estate tycoon, who lives in an incredible mansion. Some of the guest stars will hopefully include Marty Allen, Mimi Hines, Paige O'Hara, Clint Holmes, Frank Marino and my friend Criss Angel along with some of the mad, mad queens of Vegas.

The show will follow Mr. Rock to the good, the bad and the ugly sides. A day in the life for Mr. Rock is really about leaving the shelter of my home, stopping to see Jim McClassan and Jodi Rocco at What's On magazine, Eileen DiRocco at Gaming Today, and talking with the editor of my blog. I'll be introducing the public to my new chapel and conducting a wedding for my friend Tony. What's the point? There is no point....it's pointless.

I've made some truly great friends here in Vegas, great supporters and certainly will be able to show my detractors the brand that is Monti Rock III. Also, we'll go behind the scenes on Platinum Rock and the new recording, a dance album, along with Rue Paul, Lady Gaga's mother (that would be me). Most people aren't aware that I was Disco Tex of Disco Tex and the Sex-O-Lettes who sold over seven million records. What's it like being this man, this enigma, this icon. It's a work in progress.

My producers assure me this show will be unlike anything before because again.....it is pointless. The show will take viewers from Vegas to California, Miami, and New York to see the adventures of Mr. Rock.

Another full week includes seeing Gladys Knight (a fantastic performer from the "old school") at The Tropicana, a press conference on Wednesday at Mandalay Bay for the uopcoming permanent Michael Jackson extravaganza, and ends with the Ricky Martin show at Caesars Colosseum.

For lovers of classic Vegas type shows, check out the Zowie Bowie Vintage Vegas show on Sunday evenings at Ovation inside the Green Valley Ranch. The show, featuring MarleyTaylor and a 14 peice orchestra along with star Chris Phillips, bridngs us an evening of classic tunes and banter in the spirit of old Las Vegas.

There is a great Rod Stewart tribute band that, hopefully will be performing in Las Vegas in the near future. "Atlantic Crossing/A Rod Stewart Tribute Band" features Alexander Roberts who looks and sounds like Rod. Louise Sanchez on keyboards and sax, Darren Carrr on drums, Justin Deckert on bass, and Daniel Coffeng on guitar make up the band backing up Alexander. When you slee then name, be sure to go and see them work. If, you happen to be in the area,you can catch them on May 21 at Don the Beachcomer at Sunset Beach.

Remember, we're still looking for new clients....
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How was your week? Adventurous as mine? I doubt it!

Please direct all blog related correspondence to: montirock3@montirock.us
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MONTI-LICIOUS APRIL 18.2011

First stop was the Tropicana where we made a complete night of it with dinner, a brief visit to the Mob Experience, and finally to the Gladys Knight Theater currently starring Gladys Knight in A Mic and A Light.

Care Nikki at the Tropicana is only one of the Trop's reinventions and it is beautiful and open 24/7. Niki's will soon include a nightclub. We enjoyed appetizers too numerous to name and entrees that included grilled wild caught salmon, an extensive selection of sushi, and the winner of the evening, chicken fried filet mignon. Don't ask... just enjoy.

I took my friends Rose and Jim for the evening. I like seeing things through their perspective which sometimes makes for a better column. More importantly they are wonderful friends and the time we spend together is fun, precious, genuine, etc., etc., etc.

Now let's get to Gladys Knight. The show is Gladys, her story, her life, was completely sold out. She has a great fan base and although she didn't hit the high notes, she was purely Gladys Knight.

The Gladys Knight Theater is one of the last of the wonderful showrooms in Las Vegas. I had seen the Folies Bergere at the Tropicana 10 or 15 times over the years and even attended the closing night of that iconic review. The showroom has tried many things following the departure of the Folies. For a while the talk around town was the Tropicana might try a Latin theme with such personalities as Paul Rodriquez or even Gloria Estefan. Just a rumor. It's clear to say a tourist or a local could make a day of it at the Tropicana. You won't be disappointed.

The week took me from one end of the Las Vegas Strip to the other where I went to the Riviera to see the Rat Pack and Sandy Hackett. The Rat Pack has been a Las Vegas favorite from the time Sinatra and the boys created it to this current show. I think I've seen them all, too. Sandy Hackett plays the part of Joey Bishop in this latest version, but earlier shows with the same theme were produced by David Cassidy and Dick Feeney.

Of course you can't make a stop at the Riviera without trying a meat pie or the fish and chips at Queen Victoria's Pub. Always outstanding.

In La La Land, Lindsay Lohan is supposedly going to play the mob princess and John Travolt reportedl as John Gotti Jr., in a new movie. How's that for casting? Actually Lindsay has a great resemblance to Victoria Gotti, and as I/ve been a a fan of John Travolta since working with him in Saturday Night Fever.

Watched TV Land Awards last night where John Travolta and his Welcome Back Kotter crew received an award as well as Michael J. Fox and Facts of Life, and Bill Cosby and his TV family. All these men have had outstanding careers. This was one of those rare awards shows that was enjoyable.

JUST IN! Slton John is returning to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for 18 shows on select dates from 9/28/11 to 10/23/11. Tickets for the new show "MILLION DOLLAR PIANO" go on sale April 25. Contact TicketMaster or
Caesars box office for more information.

A typical week in Las Vegas? You decide.

PLEASE DIRECT ANY BLOG RELATED CORREPONDENCE TO; monitrock3@montirock.us
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MONTI-LICIOUS 4/11/11

News continues to show it's ugly head this week with the Vince Neal and Alicia Jacobs fiasco. Entertainment and television host, Alicia, is in one camp while Vince, Motley Crue. Neal is holding down the other camp. It's Rock 'n Roll man, Rock 'n Roll.

Kenny Ortega will be conducting the festivities for the upcoming Steve Wynn wedding. Reportedly the guest list is up to 1000. The wedding date will be shared with England's Prince William and Kate. While the Brit's have their royal affair, we will have our own spectacular event here in Las Vegas.

Many are asking, including myself, is Donald Trump really going to run for President? Please Mr. Trump give the birth certificate item a rest. After all, he is the President of the United States. Maybe not everyone's choice but he still holds the title.

Producer/Director Greg Thompson is in town which is good news. Greg's production Showgirls was a Las Vegas hit for several years. I'm happy to be part of his latest creation, a television talent show, at the David Saxe Theater in Planet Hollywood.

It's going to be a busy week, again, for yours truly. My recording company Platinum Rock is in town to discuss my latest recording, my single and my reality show, The Monti Minute.

Our resident Diva, Celine Dion, will be taking a break after this week and will return to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in June. Redundant I know, but catch her show before she takes her first break. It's breathtaking.

Did I hear correctly? Nigel Lythgoe, producer of American Idol, holding hands with Alicia Jacobs at Caesars Palace. Rumor or exaggeration.

Watching the Awards on television's Comedy Central I was moved by David Letterman's speech. David received the Johnny Carson Award . David spoke eloquently about Johnny stating no one could be compared to Carson. How lucky are those of us who were touched by Johnny Carson. I was fortunate to do about 80 appearnces on Johnny's show and felt was instrumental in promoting my career. In 1962 as a young performer at Trudy Heller's in New York, Joh

For everyone looking for tickets to Gladys Knight, they're still available at the Gladys Knight Theater at the Tropicana. Welcome home Gladys

This week I had the opportunity to taste the chicken lasagna a New York Pizza and Pasta. This is a must as is the pizza I mentioned in previous blogs.

It's good to be Monti Rock, it's good to be a columnist, it's good to be on the inside, it's good to be a star...... ha, ha, ha!

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M0NTI-LICIOUS APRIL 6 , 2011

This was a great week and it was especially a great week-end for Las Vegas. It was the 46th Academy of Country Music Awards that filled both the MGM Grand Arena and the Mandalay Bay Events Center with country music fans who came to see their favorite artists. The standout performance of the night was the Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood duet. Rock 'n Roll and Country never sounded so good. Hosts Reba McIntyre and Blake Shelton did a great job of keeping the show rolling along. We do have country music fans.

The exclusive Shadow Creek Golf Club was the site this year for Michael Jordan's Celebrity Golf Tournament. Celebrities from all areas showed up to help Michael with his benefit tournament and it gave people the opportunity to see the beautiful Shadow Creek Golf course that normally is not open to the public. Great fun and a great turnout for a good cause. I'm not a golfer but I've been told by those who know, Shadow Creek is one of the best.

We had the pleasure of going to dinner at The Munchbar at Caesars Place last week . This is an informal "lite-fare" restaurant with extraordinare food at an affordable price. Among the things we tasted were, arguabley, the best chicken nuggets I've ever eagen. The grilled cheese sandwiches , assortment of burgers, and reuben wraps were also great. For dessert they served a Crunchy Smores Sunday that more then fills anyones sweet tooth.

Then on to an extraordinary performance of a new and innovative show that just opened at Caesars Palace called Absinthe. It's variety show with a circus atmosphere and includes adult comedy and truly elegant acrobatics. The show is unlike any I've seen before. It is considered to be "Cirque du Soleil meets The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Saturday night was spent at the wonderful Flamingo where we dined at the buffet and indulged in some great desserts before seeing Donny and Marie. They are the personification of entertainment. They do it all and they do it all well. Before the show I was greeted by the Regional President of the Flamingo, Rick Mazer, and reportedly Donny and Marie have signed for an additional year at the Flamingo. They will open with an updated performance, adding some new numbers, this week. Yes, I'm going to see their latest show, too. They're that good.

The Flamingo has such history, it's legendary. Bugsy (Benjamin) Segal was the start of Las Vegas folklore. Posters and memorabilia hang on the walls of the men's room at the Flamingo. The ladies probably won't get a chance to view these items unless the Flamingo conducts guided tours..... just a thought.

Speaking of Las Vegas history and famed gangsters, the Mob Experience at the Tropicana is impressive. It's an interactive experience with great actors mingling with guests which gives some guests a chance to really "play the part". The Tropicana is quick to let everyone know the Experience cost some $25 million. The Tropicana face lift certainly has added a lot and of course the Gladys Knight Theater where Gladys will reign is a new feature. Funny man Brad Garrett's Comedy Room has been doing good business, .

Thjis week also marked the intoduction of the new Vegas, Inc. magazine. This is the latest from the Greespun Media Group. This new weekly covers gaming, tourism, finance, entertainment, real estate, health care, dining, and social media.

On the subject of public relations, my hat goes off to David Kervin and Preferred who are always there for Mr. Rock, as well all of the media. They acknowledge the influence and importance of the media---they obviously have good taste, don't you think?

Race for Mayor is coming down to the wife. I'm on the Goodman team.

The hotels were full this week. Maybe things are turning around. Good to be Monti Rock III.

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