MONTI - LICIOUS 12/31/11

For all of my blog readers how was your Christmas? Did you get all the magic and gifts? This year’s party, “Fade to Black,” brought together an eclectic group with much drama but it went off really swell. One of the parties I did attend was at Mimi Hine’s Pink Palace, where she was serving turkeys and hams. Her Chef Michael cooked apple pies and other desserts. The guests covered the field from vaudeville to Hollywood – many stars that have fallen from the skies and whose lights are quite dim or at least dimming and whose memories aren’t as sharp as their acts once were. I attended Murray SawChuck's party and he’ll be headlining at the Gold Coast Hotel in a show entitled Vegas Magic Theater. This is a magic entertainment with different headliners each week produced by Paul Stone, who is one of the major producers from London.

Speaking of magic, a month ago I was talking about Jan Rouven. He's at the Clarion Hotel in a show called Illusion, which will be moving to the Riviera in March. This young man has a very polished act, and there is something happening with him and it is a good move. Talking about the Riviera, what is happening to the Versailles Room, one of the most beautiful showrooms in Las Vegas? Rich Thomas was about to take over, but the refurbishing costs would be too high to re-develop the property to make it suitable for a magic show. The last production I saw there was Splash and the Russian Ice Show. Do we all remember Splash? My staff saw the filming of Splash in Battery Park in NYC, but that’s a long way from Vegas.

I need to make a small retraction in that Brad Garrett is leaving Tropicana and going to the MGM , NOT the Mirage. I don’t want people looking for him at the wrong place. Sinead O’Connor, the Irish drama queen who got married in the Little White Chapel, is getting divorced after ONLY 18 days. How about that, "K.K" !!!! This New Year’s Eve, Las Vegas room rates have risen back to the "good old days" and most of them are sold out.

The Tropicana is running full-steam ahead with its RPM nightclub. John Theiss is the new executive senior VIP host at the club as well as a new pool party later in the year. This is good news for the Tropicana and its guests. We wish you the best of luck.


We saw Jerry Seinfeld at the Colosseum and the house was full. This man is funny and for years I wasn’t sure why. But I think the connection is that he reminds me a great deal of Bill Cosby, who takes everyday situations and propels them into humorous scenarios. He’s brilliant at making the very simple absolutely hysterical and that is a special talent. The following night, Celine, the Diva, returned to the palace that was built for her and opened to a packed house. Ovation after ovation. I am a fan and I worship this Canadian chanteuse.

Did we all watch the Kennedy Honors? Barbara Cook, a top Broadway star and an institution at the Carlyle in NY will be opening at the Smith Center sometime this spring. . This talented lady has made a career of singing Broadway showstoppers and other standards. We can’t wait until Barbara opens in Las Vegas.

Oscar Goodman’s Steak House at the Plaza greeted us with marvelous food, ambiance and a sense of royalty arriving at court. We wish the restaurant every good wish and hope that the quality continues after the pre-opening hype.

Least I forget, the Lion King is closing and Jersey Boys is moving from the Venetian/Palazzo to Paris Las Vegas.

One of the great "Old Vegas" variety shows, Jubilee, is still captivating audiences after recently celebrating its 30th anniversary. The longest-running show on the Strip will be holding auditions for dancers, singers and showgirls. This Donn Arden spectacle is a retro-glam extravaganza that features, among other things, gorgeous showgirls in lavish costumes, wearing their trademark bright red lipstick. Bottom line - Jubilee is a classic.

Dr. Z, a wonderful character, gave yours truly and my staff an intimate cocktail party. If you want a small setting for a get-together, conact Dr. Z’s at 5661 W. Sahara Ave. and let them know that Monti referred you. Call 702/876-0339 for information You won’t be disappointed.

Iran is bringing in 2012 with threats of blocking waterways that carry our oil supplies. How much "crap" can we take from that regime before something horrific happens? The Middle East is boiling over and no one seems to be succeeding in calming things down. They are reportedly in a position to bring our gasoline prices to $5 per gallon. In addtion to that, Egyptians are in the midst of another revolution, this time against their military, and Syria is killing government protesters by the thousands.

The Rev. Monti wishes for the New Year that you welcome the event with whatever level of excitement your heart can stand. Remind your friends and family that this is a wonderful town with lots to do, fabulous food and a stimulating atmosphere that's second to none! '

Please direct all blog related correspondence to: montirock3@montirock.us

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 MONTI - LICIOUS      12/25/11

 MONTI'S YEAR IN REVIEW.....
This has been a year of great expectations!  Vegas has been up, down and sideways...How do we keep being optimistic, my friends?  I love the protestors downtown - a reminder that the people still have a voice and will prove it! Monti Rock is now protesting how many bad shows there are in town...and he has a voice! 

This year Steve Wyrick proved one thing - you can change venues, but a show can still be a no-show.  As a columnist, I know that you do not have to believe everything that you read. But as a credible writer, which I am, I tell the truth - sometimes good, sometimes as it really is!

As part of the new fabric of Las Vegas, I can tell you that things are really looking up!  This past year, I also wrote that I am 'Cirqued' out - we need a Cirque-it breaker!!!!

My favorite Cirque show of all time is Viva Elvis at the Aria...how wrong could I be?  It's closing next year, but I will see it again and again before the final curtain falls. As for the Michael Jackson Immortal Show at Mandalay Bay, which I was able to see twice, how many stagehands are needed to change a light bulb???The legacy of this icon will go on forever - his triumphs, his scandals, his contributions to the world of music and society are incomparable. This is the saga of a man who was a great human tragedy. He WAS the Man in the Mirror!! His legacy should be the story of the century. Like Peter Pan's Never Never Land, Michael had Neverland Ranch where he never had to grow up. Now we have Cirque doing Michael Jackson's show. I felt it needed a real star - and it wasn't a role for Bubbles the Chimp!

The year that was! The big news was the creation and construction of the monumental Smith Center, which will open its doors for the world of the arts in spring 2012.  Also in the news is Tony Hsieh, the founder/CEO of Zappos.com and former Silicon Valley online entrepreneur, who relocated his company to Henderson. Now he's signed on the dotted line for a 15-year lease at the old City Hall in downtown Las Vegas. What a shot in the arm for downtown real estate and new beginnings.  His staff has already purchased condos in the newly booming downtown. Oscar's legacy of revitalization is coming  to  fruition.

Speaking of Oscar Goodman, he lent his name to Oscar's at the Plaza downtown, where the food is great, the libations are plentiful and cheers are given to him for what he did in laying the groundwork for reclaiming this once blighted area!  Thank you, former Mayor Goodman - and thank you current Mayor Goodman!

Lady Luck is now being refurbished and the Plaza looks magnificent! This year the Hilton Hotel will undergo a name change to the LVH. The Hilton has been an institution since it was The International and created a special showroom for Elvis, who graced their stage for many a year!

The Stratosphere is following suit and refurbishing its property to reflect the new Las Vegas ambiance. Tim Molyneaux, the producer and director of Bite, which has been running for seven years, has just revamped the show. I would like to personally thank him and his lovely vampires for taking a "bite" and coming to my annual Christmas party! Tim, a real gentleman, is a very talented producer who's always coming up with new ideas. We need more creative folks like him. Also, at the Stratosphere is the upcoming show of talented singer and supreme entertainer Frankie Moreno. Get thee to his show pronto!

The Tropicana has a new look, a new attitude and a new feel for a backbone property. Brad Garrett has moved his comedy club to the Mirage and will personally be on stage for the opening week. Rick Thomas is now playing the big room at the Tropicana. It's a fabulous looking venue.

The Riviera - home of Crazy Girls (the longest-running show on the Strip) and Confessions of a Rock Star in the other room, along with the use of the Starlite Room (the old home of La Cage) - for some  former major Vegas headliners the concept is to bring them back. And the Riviera is part of the fabulous history of Las Vegas - an explosion of talent and all the extras!

The Coliseum - giving us Celine, Rod Stewart and Elton John in a dizzying rotation. What could be better? These talents do their thing with no special effects, just  real showmanship.

As for the local casinos: Don Rickles, Clint Holmes, Shecky Greene, Debbie Reynolds - and now Mitzi Gaynor - are still thrilling audiences with the best traditions of legendary Las Vegas entertainment.

How about good old Pine Bros Throat Lozenges being available for all to "enjoy".  Remember, in the cold of winter they do soothe our dry throats.

Mr. Rock's resolution for the next year, as we all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah, will be to complete all my projects (film, biography and new entrepreneurial goals) and to be the BEST columnist and get all my facts straight for my dedicated and wonderful readers, followers and fans!

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MONTI  -  LICIOUS   12/18/11

The holidays are here. Ho, Ho, Ho!! This week the activities have been; openings, closings and pauses. First of all, Barry Manilow performed his last show at the Paris. He went out in style. His closing performance was a musical love fest between him and his adoring audience and at the end he brought everybody on stage that had anything to do with his 7-year successful run here in Vegas. He even had a party at the Hilton for the cast and crew because the Hilton had featured so prominently for him in Vegas initially. His last show was so special for the audience and an opportunity for us to say goodbye in style. Members of my staff were even part of the meet and greet, which presented an opportunity for common folks to let Barry know that he will be missed. He’s to have hip surgery and then will spend time recuperating before he heads out on the road for Chicago and other ports.

Another closing note deals with The Jersey Boys, which will be closing at the Venetian and moving to the Paris Showroom. Jersey Boys, as many of you know, is a part of the legacy of Monti Rock III during my days as Disco Tex and the Sex-O-Lettes. Frankie Valli and Bob Crewe were the heart of that production and our lives were intertwined back in the day. 

Oh, by the way, that venue at Paris was also the setting for the recent PBS Special by Human Nature. This was a brilliant staging of their show, which is housed at The Imperial Palace. This PBS special was an opportunity to see the newest rendition of “blue-eyed soul” as these young Australians bring their version of  the Motown sound to America. They are sponsored by Smokey Robinson. In the words of this adoring critic –“those white boys can sing!!”

NYC landmark restaurant, the Old Homestead Steakhouse, will open on December 20 at Caesars Palace. The classic menu will include the colossal crab cakes, 32-ounce rib-eye steak, and their version of New York-style cheesecake.  New items exclusive to Las Vegas will also be served.

This week I went to the grand opening of Catfish Alley Soul Food Restaurant on the Strip, in which Lamonte McLemore is a partner along with Gladys and Bubba Knight, Richard Roundtree, Clarence Collins and JD Nicholas. Two other members of The 5th Dimension, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., were there for a book and CD signing. I was the 6th Dimension as I opened for them for a few years. The food was outstanding! Catfish, greens, fried okra, corn and mac'n'cheese fritters, fried green beans, fried chicken, barbecued brisket, cornbread and other delights soothed our palates, filled our stomachs and almost had us screaming for more. This is a new venture in the Hawaiian Village on the Strip across from the Aria Hotel and Casino and is now open and serving this outstanding cuisine. One of the young patrons in the restaurant remarked that “this is the best fried chicken I’ve ever tasted.” Granted, she was only 10 years old, but already she’s developed a discriminating palate. Hope you put Catfish Alley on your list of must-visit places in Vegas. Your gut will thank you!!

This week, one of my saddest moments was learning of the  illness of  Bill Moore. The producer of Nudes on Ice, and other shows in the last 50 years, is now at Spring Mountain Hospital. For all of my readers who know him, who know of him, he’s an institution here in Vegas. So please send cards, letters, visit, whatever, to show him that we love him. When I opened here in Vegas in 1967, he was kind enough to tell me “that I had no act, but what I lacked in talent, I made up in confidence.” Also this week, Pupi Campo, one of the great Cuban band leaders, passed away at the age of 91. He was married to Rosemary Clooney’s sister Betty. Pupi was the first Latino to appear as a regular on the Jack Parr morning TV show and also appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and in NYC's most popular nightclubs. I knew him when he played at  Cleopatra’s Barge at Caesar’s Palace. Also passing was Larry Hall, who was the owner and publisher of Las Vegas Style, one of the first magazines I wrote for 13 years ago. 

Last week, Barbara Walters did her 10 most fascinating people of 2011. Please, Barbara, give me a break. The Kardashians are not fascinating. They're reality TV folks and beyond that not the least intriguing. I have my own list of “most fascinating” and they are talented crowd-pleasers as well.

The political issues – how many debates do we need to change a light bulb? With unemployment, homelessness, people going hungry, foreclosures, what can we do to change the economy and unemployment? We are in a recession. Stop talking because the hot air isn’t even raising balloons. We need practical approaches to alleviate some of the suffering we are experiencing.

How about Howard Stern reportedly replacing Piers Morgan on America's Got Talent!  Will Middle America appreciate his brand of "humor"? I like Howard, but he is a bit much.  Britney Spears is reportedly ready to marry her manager/fiancé.  How long do we feel this would last?  We don't need another 72 day adventure.

From this column I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, Great Buns Bakery – Liz and the girls - for donating all those cakes which were quickly devoured by all. Those bundt cakes can't be beat. Dave Filter and his English Garden Florists once again designed floral arrangements flowers for my annual Christmas Party. Tim Molyneux and the cast of "BITE" donated their time and really "vamped" things up at the party – Fade to Black. For those of you that didn't make it, you missed a wonderful afternoon. The PINE BROS THROAT LOZENGES that we furnished to everyone were also a big hit. People were eating them like candy-remember they taste good as well as soothe throats. Be sure to ask for them at your favorite stores.

Here are some of MY most fascinating people and at the top of my list is Anthony Crivello - actor, singer and star of Phantom. I also will say that my favorite show is closing and that is Viva Elvis. The best female singer is Celine Dion and she’s reopening her act at the Coliseum next week. The great drag queens in the world include Frank Marino and Larry Edwards of Divas. Hands down, the best comics are Vinnie Favorito at the Flamingo and Brad Garrett, who will be opening his new club at the MGM. The best party this year was the opening of Nikki’s Beach at the Tropicana. 

Bob Anderson with the Las Vegas Philharmonic was an absolute delight. This was old Vegas at its best – a singer with a great orchestra and outstanding arrangements. This was an unforgettable evening. For old Vegas variety, "Vegas! The Show" is incomparable. Great voices, dancers and their capturing the sense of Vegas is amazing. Who cannot appreciate Sean and John, the tap dancing brothers who are among the most talented young men in this city? If you only have $$ for one show, see "Vegas! The Show."

There are some things that should not be separated because they have both historical and sentimental significance.  When the Elizabeth Taylor collection came up for auction. There were so many mind-blowing pieces, including the extravagant jewels from former husbands and Michael Jackson, but the centerpiece of the collection was the Krupp diamond given to her by Richard Burton. I always felt that this collection should have been kept together and it should be traveling around the world for us all to see. The whole collection sold for $116 million! I was once known for my collection of topazes, emeralds and diamonds, which have been stolen, misplaced, pawned or I've given away. That’s how that cookie crumbles. 

Worthy charitable benefits help keep places such as St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital do what they do best.  Honolulu, Hawaii is the location for the St. Jude Warren Moon Hall of Fame International on Jan 26. Proceeds from   this tournament to help fund research for these stricken children. Keep up the good work guys!

Las Vegas is a town that is filled with talented people. We are privileged to live and work here. What a great city and an outstanding set of zip codes for folks to visit. The Reverend Monti, (that's me), wishes you only good things for an exciting New Year.

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MONTI - LICIOUS DEC 3, 2011

This week in L V, Michael Jackson is alive and well at Mandalay Bay. The Immortal Show and the whole Michael Jackson clan (Tito, Jackie,and Marlon) bring this spectacle to light. They were on the X Factor last night and led a tribute to Michael . The overall production is beyond words including what may be the best graphics of any show I have ever seen. The dancers and choreography are fantastsic as well as the usual Cirque acrobatic wonders, however the sound can be adjusted to a more acceptable level. I would love to see this show in a Colosseum type theater, which in my opinion would be a better venue. Michael lives on along wilth Elvis and shows like these help keep it that way. Mandalay Bay, which is offering this extravaganza with a star-studded red carpet, brought out the stars but – where are the stars really? I thought I was the only real star here in Vegas.

I think we have enough “Cirque” for the moment. When I first arrived in Las Vegas, I saw “O” five times and Mystere five times. Zumanity opened and I got in trouble because of my yada, yada, yada. The MGM has KA but then I fell in love with Aria’s Viva Elvis, which hasn’t fared too well but I still love it. Sometimes we have too much of a good thing. It repeats itself. We understand how clever it may seem but repetition is not interesting necessarily to the average viewer. We rely on the fact that the audience is always new in order for the repetitiveness to work. Case in point, Love and the Beatles show had the catalog, the Elvis show has the Elvis catalog and Michael Jackson’s will have all that great music. But I think we are at the saturation point as to the effectiveness of Cirque’s impact on us. Cirque Week 2011 is offering enthusiasts and Mirage guests a meet and greet event and a special two show ticket package. For tickets and information please visit www.cirquedusoleilcom/cirqueweek.

As an entertainment columnist who toured as Disco Tex and the Sexolettes Review for years, I was the first minstrel, vaudeville artist and I knew when that whole schtick got tired and I had to hang it up. And hang it up I did. We may be reaching an end to all the great bodies and water antics.

In other news, Dr. Conrad Murray got four years in the death of Michael Jackson. Michael lived a very isolated life. Where was his family to help him overcome his drug problem? Michael was just one of the stars that had the same problem. We all had our "Dr. Feelgood" as well as vitamin shops full of enzymes and speed to keep us going and performing during interviews, etc. I was supporting all those enablers and parasites, which is both expensive and ultimately not contributing to personal growth. With the help of my partners, my family and an intervention, I have been drug-free and sober for 18 years. I know what I am talking about. I could have also been a statistic and you would be reading about this icon rather than my telling you myself and for this I am thankful.

Grammy nominations were announced during a nominations concert in Los Angeles last week. Kanye West and Adele garnered the most votes along with Bruno Mars. The 54th annual Grammy Awards show will be held in Los Angeles on February 12. Categories were reduced from 109 to 78, to make the show move more quickly. Speaking of Adele, we all wish her a quick and full recovery from her vocal cord surgery, as this girl is one of the "greats."

Janet Jackson was in town and her concert was a tribute to her #1 hits. She was in rare form – she looked terrific, the dancing was awesome and the music was energetic and like none other. She and Michael got the dancing gene and with the help of inventive choreography, this was a concert that was a joy to see and hear. I was impressed by the sold-out crowd’s affection for Ms. Jackson and it was obvious that she brought her special brand to the Colosseum. I’m not one to complain about folks making money, but the program cost $30! I was longing for the days of the mimeograph machine. Overall though, it was an unbelievable evening

Over at Flamingo there was a red-carpet event for America’s Got Talent winner Michael Grimm. He’s described as a Mississippi boy with a bunch of Top 10 records on a new CD. He opened the recent "Talent"show at the Colosseum and his new show is available and you can get tickets by calling (702) 733-3333.

Also at the Thomas and Mack was NFR (National Finals Rodeo) with country stars coming out of my ears. It was a great week for the LV economy.- Yahoo!! You sometimes forget how many folks like those bucking broncs. Thanks and keep on coming.

World Aids Day on December 1 brought us several events including a benefit show at Club Nikki at Tropicana. AFAN does a great job working with Nevada HIV/Aids patients. They are constantly running events to help educate us in the prevention of this horrible disease.

I am saddened that Barry Manilow is ending his time with us in Vegas. He is the consummate super star and when you see his fans and how they relate to him, you know that he is a fantastic draw and we will miss him. His fans are a lot like those of Elvis – you love or you don’t – but those who do, really, really love him. Those glow sticks at the concerts are a true testament of this affection as they light the concert hall and the music lights up their souls. We will miss you Barry. Don’t retire forever. There’s always a stage for you somewhere here in Vegas.

Best wishes from yours truly as you prepare for the holidays. Keep kindness in your heart and find a way to share your bounty with others.

Please direct all blog related correspondence to: montirock3@montirock.us

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A Meal With Monti
By Monti Rock III