MONTI -LICOUS JULY 31, 2011

This week I would like to address the sudden passing of Amy Winehouse. This wonderful talent who died at the age of 27, left an estate of over $20 Million and growing. Her music is back on the charts and she will now find a whole new audience with her passing. She died by way of “The 27 Club," which also claimed a friend and an occasional performer in my band , Jimi Hendrix. (Oh yes he would sit in). Jim Morrison, Curt Cobain and Janis Joplin are the other stars in this infamous Club, a club that I easily could have become a member. Monti Rock III aka Disco Tex was addicted to drugs, and alcohol for 30 years. What the reader must understand is that my handlers, managers, agents were enablers who were able to supply me with drugs, alcohol and sex. I only survived thanks to the help of my partner and some good friends. I may have lost all my millions, but I have gained a great life.

May you rest in peace Amy Winehouse. Why couldn’t anyone help you?

In other news, things are jumping at the Hilton. Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack is scheduled to open there on August 4 for a week and then on to a summer tour. The show will then run on Tuesdays only ( two shows per night). in the Shimmer Room. Because of an ongoing dispute with the musicians union, it's not known whether the show music will be live or taped. For more info on dates and times, please contact the Hilton.

Steve Wyrick's magic show should be opening August 5 in the main room. This is a really high-tech show and not easy to set up. The glitches in getting ready for the opening have now been repaired, and you will soon be able to thoroughly enjoy this incredible show. Welcome back, Steve!

All week we have been talking about survivors of the industry. Who would believe that Jubilee, arguably the best of the showgirl shows, is celebrating its 30th year? It is still a masterpiece. Another masterpiece is Don Arden himself, who created something that holds up as vintage Vegas. We attended the special anniversary event and was completely enthralled with production, etc. The costumes, both old and new, are still among the highlights. Watching this spectacle brings one back to "the eighty's" and what was then, the real look of Las Vegas. Let's hope this show runs another 30 yers so that the next few generations can get a glimpse of the Las Vegas that was.

We should also keep up with what is happening downtown with a variety of exciting venues, including Beauty Bar, Four Queens, home of the new "An Evening With La Cage," and the newly refurbished El Cortez hotel, which is a visual retrospective masterpiece. It’s like going back in time to a style and elegance that we often miss in this town. Meanwhile, the reality TV show Las Vegas Gigolos is coming to prime time. They have been shooting all over the city for a week with five or eight gents charging up to $5,000. If we believe these numbers, then they must think we’re dumber than dirt.

I have been trying all week to come up with why I like "Happily Divorced” with Fran Drescher of The Nanny fame. Way before she became a star, Fran and I did a movie called Saturday Night Fever. We all know that she is a cancer survivor and just found out a couple of years ago that her husband is gay. And now they move from this “mishagas” to a new sitcom called Happily Divorced. As for your columnist, Monti Rock III is working on a TV series called Seniors, where I play a gay hit man. How’s that for casting? What orchard was this casting born in? I’ve always tried to be optimistic.

Two of my friends contracted Legionnaires Disease at Aria recently, but everything is clear now. CityCenter does not need this cloud hanging over them.

One of the truly fine experiences this week was watching 10-year-old boy genius, Ethan Bortnick - a true prodigy - doing what a prodigy does, amazing us, surprising us, and of course, entertaining us. I wanted to give young Mr.Bortnick the benefit of the doubt because he’s 10 years old and thus I could be patronizing. From the moment he walked on stage, that scenario was flushed. He is brilliant and yes, he’s 10 years old!

All the Borders stores are closing. This is where I used to go to read all my favorite books and magazines. The Internet with all its good features is also the cause of many business closings. Why go out in the summer heat and burn valuable and costly fuel when you can sit in the comfort of your home and tap the keyboard? iPad, iPhone, etc. give you a myriad of reading material and entertainment in the palm of your hand.

It was a déjà vu moment seeing 85-year-old Tony Bennett at The Palms, hanging out backstage reminiscing with Mimi Hines about Sophie Tucker and the good ol’ days of Vegas. But the biggest surprise was watching Englebert Humperdinck put on a smooth,well-paced and joyful performance. What a pro. A man who is comfortable on stage and knows how to incorporate all that he has into a stunning experience.

Vegas-The Show! is celebrating its first anniversary on Aug 4th with a special show and party at The David Saxe Theater This lively, fast paced, and extremely entertaining show is produced by the amazing David Saxe, one of the busiest men in Las Vegas. For more information please contact Shelley Bruner, Director of Public Relations at 702-278-1389.

The Channel 3-Sue Manteris lawsuit is far from over. There is reportedly a question as to whether the situation will go to federal court or to arbitration. As you may know, Ms. Manteris's contract was not renewed after 22 years at the station. Accusations of race, age and gender discrimination have been going back and forth since May. Station owner Jim Rogers allegedly has quite a temper, which he often shows at staff meetings. Bottom line is that Sue Manteris is one of our best news anchors and leaves a deep hole in the local news scene. Sue, we need you back to TV!

Great female impersonator David de Alba will be appearing at the Onyx Theater, doing several performances in August and September. This is not your usual "drag" show because David does all his characters live, no lip-synching. He has an amazing voice and really becomes the characters who he's impersonating. Contact the Onyx Theater, 950 E Sahara Ave at 702-732-7225 for more information.

Wes Winters contract at Southpoint has been extended and he moves to Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wes is supported by his 9-foot mirrored grand piano. Dancers are welcome as there are two spacious dance floors for those who like to boogie.

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MONTI-LICIOUS JULY 25, 2011

For the readers of my blog I sometimes like to write about what is really on my mind. I spent the whole week in downtown Las Vegas. The first outing was the Golden Nugget to see the who I consider an entertainer’s entertainer, Gordie Brown. He does not disappoint. Gordie's magic is that he’s an impressionist, a singer, and a comic who loves his audience and gives 1000 percent! Monti Rock the entertainer can also spot when another performer “phones it in” because I’ve been phoning it in for nearly 50 years - and I’ve always gotten the wrong number. Gordie definitely works it and it shows in his masterful performances.

I am a fan of Gordie's and have seen him several times throughout the years that he’s been in Vegas. He’s perfect for the marketing of the Golden Nugget. I want to thank entertainment director Ron O’Neal, and public relations manager Tiffany Hauck for their gracious support of this columnist. After the performance we were treated to a great buffet with delicious desserts. The conversation kept coming back to the fact that we had witnessed a spectacular entertainer.

The next night we were off to the Four Queens to see Jimmy Emerson’s soft opening of the new production of An Evening at La Cage. La Cage has been around for nearly 30 years in various forms in Vegas, Atlantic City, Biloxi and Palm Springs. The Vegas version features female impersonators that elevate camp to a new art form. Jimmy Emerson is host, producer and and I think the director. His "Wynona" is someting to see.This show, licenced by the original producer, Norbert Aleman, also has some of the original costumes.

In other big news, I couldn’t resist all the gossip swirling around the Jennifer Lopez/Marc Anthony split. Let’s be real - was this really gonna last? Let’s look at J-Lo’s history. Ben Affleck left her at the altar so there was Marc Anthony, the gracious altar boy, waiting in the wings. Now she has twins, she has American Idol, she’s one of the most beautiful women in the world, and she is a genius at marketing the J-Lo brand. But don't expect her to go solo for long.

What is happening to the Murdoch empire and the hacking scandal? As a columnist I am appalled by the actions of these so-called journalists. I want to thank my publishers and editors for trying to always get the facts right. I don’t do no hacking. Don’t need to.

This week the film festival at the Hilton was a huge success. In more Hilton news, master magician Steve Wyrick has moved his opening date to later in the month.

Let’s not forget that TV's blockbuster talent show The Voice is coming to Vegas. Am I the only one who thinks Adam Levine is sexy? Well, well. Get your tickets now!

We are all waiting for Smith Center for the Performing Arts to open with Wicked, The Color Purple , Memphis, Mary Poppins, and The Million Dollar Quartet. Would you believe there is a musical in the future – The Life and Times of Monti Rock III, a true legend in his own mind?

Magicians and magic acts are plagued with a familiarity that conjures up the old adage if you've seen one. you've seen them all. When we think of magic, we usually think of Houdini. He was a self-promoter and in the days before the Internet and TV he was able to get the world interested in magic. He was also big on busting psychics and mediums and "shammies." Thank God he was gone before I came along since I am a "psycho psychic!"

Then we have David Copperfield, Siegfried and Roy, and Lance Burton. There is a new kid on the block, Jan Rouven. He is German and his conjuring act definitely has a European touch. Costumes, lighting, music and dance make his show at the Clarion truly different and elegant. His act shatters the above mentionned adage. Then there is Criss Angel, who is the Mick Jagger of magic. His concept of prestitigidation takes on a new personality and crosses into a new dimension.

Aid for Aids of Nevada (AFAN) will open its new housing center on August 1. This is affordable living space for HIV/Aids patients in LasVegas. There are single cottages that house 20 residents, as well as group-style living for 12 residents. This organization is constantly continuing to help these patients and strives to give them a home.

Ventriloquist Ron Lucas is bringing his comedy and cast of characters to the Suncoast on August 27 and 28. Ronn was the first ventriloquist to headline a long-running show in Las Vegas . The New York Times and London Times named him The World's Best Ventriloquist. He has also appeared on numerous TV sitcoms as well as performing on the MDA Telethon for 12 years.

Sad news is the "The 27 Club" has a new member. Amy Winehouse, the brilliant British singer/songwriter was foung dead in her London apartment over the weekend. Amy had been abusing alcohol and drugs for a very long time and this is reportely what caused her dimise. She joins other music greats suce as Jim Morrison, Janice Joplin, and Jimmy Hendrix, among others who all died at age 27. Yours truly was lucky to have beaten my alcohol and drug addiction in the nick of time. Our condolences to her family and friends.

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MONTI -LICIOUS JULY 17, 2011

There will be a special show on July 30 celebrating the 30th anniversary of Jubilee. This production of an " old Vegas" style extravaganza features beautiful showgirls, specialty acts and even the Titanic sinking on stage. What more can we ask for? You all must see this production because this is what Vegas was all about.

The Las Vegas Film Festival, replacing Cinevegas, is here once again. We will miss Dennis Hopper who was the anchor for this prestigious event coming to town. We all know that the movie industry does a lot for the economy.

Rumor has it this week that Carrot Top came on stage, said he had laryngitis and gave the audience back its money.

My friend Anthony Cools is opening the Swingers Club at the newly refurbished Plaza Hotel. This new venture reportedly will have a combination of several elements that are not usually found in the same room, such as disco, dueling grand pianos, occasional lounge acts and a miniature golf setup. They will be appealing to a different clientele than the usual night club patrons. Hopefully, golf clubs and liquor can coexist.

Less I forget, tonight is the the soft opening (preview) of the new production of An Evening At La Cage starring Jimmy Emerson.This show is at Four Queens on Fremont St. and hopefully will be instrumental in the resurgence of Downtown Las Vegas.

I talked to the Hilton about Steve Wyrick's opening on or about July 27th. I'm waiting breathlessly, as major productions of this type usually encounter glitches at the beginning. Steve is a real pro and he will give the audience great entertailnment.

Talking about magicians, I had lunch with Mac King and his daughter. This gracious gentleman stars in the long-running afternoon comedy/magic show at Harrahs. Rick Thomas is still holding forth afternoons at Planet Hollywood, but rumors are still flying about a possible move to another venue.

In this column this week, I want to address the Harmon (hotel, condo,) and its probable implosion. Why tear down these structures (this includes the Fountainbleau) when we have such a homeless problem here in Vegas? Just a thought. Maybe I should write the mayor (or be the mayor - Mayor Monti Rock). How does that get you?

What is happening to the Mob Experience at the Tropicana now that Jay Bloom is no longer there? The Tropicana is such a beautiful property, the renovations are divine with Gladys Knight, Brad Garrett's Comedy Room and the restaurants including Nikki Beach. It just has to find its brand. Rumor had it that Gloria Estefan was to be in the main showroom - Gloria Estefan Presents. Jon Secada, who has a great voice and some best selling CD's, was booked for four days in what is now The Gladys Knight Theater, but for some reason did not draw an audience to the showroom.

I for one love the old properties, love the history of Vegas. I was part of that history in 1968 when I opened at Caesar's Palace in Nero's Nook with the Checkmates and Woody Woodbury. I was a sensation if I say so myself, but nobody really got it. Most still don't get it. That's what makes the legend of the iconic Monti Rock. As a gossip columnist, I have a responsibility to my readers to give the best information available and sometimes I don't get all my facts right. But remember that I do make retractions where necessary. At times it's somewhat risky publishing rumors, but they are very often true.

The Tropicana has a hit on its hands as Nikki Beach is "wowing" patrons. The restauarant and night club is fast becoming a favorite with celebrities as well as the general public. Rev Run, Debarge, and Hot Rod held forth this past weekend.

I'm a huge fan of magic and the new magic guy in town, Jan Rouven, is appearing at the Fame Theater inside the Clarion Hotel & Casino, formerly the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel. Also in the magic category, there is such a good buzz about Criss Angel with his new show He's tweaked the show with even more illusions that are bigger than life.Ticket prices are high but well worth it. To this reporter he is gracious, kind and a perfect gentleman. Thank you, Criss.

Caesars Palace and Nobu Hospitality have joined forces to create the first Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Lounge in Las Vegas, scheduled to open in the summer of 2012.The 180-room boutique hotel in Caesars will feature a stylish interior design synonymous with the Nobu brand. This will be a unique five-star destination for discriminating people the world over.

Las Vegas hotels and restaurants continue to win the AAA Five Diamond Award. The Bellagio Hotel/Casino, and restaurants Le Cirque and Picasso have received the 2012 Five Diamond Award. The Bellagio is the only hotel in the U.S. to have two Five Diamond restaurants under one roof.

Rick Faugno, of Jersey Boys fame, is returning to the Hilton's Shimmer Cafe July 2 - August 1. Rick's one-man show features him performing an eclectic mixture of musical styles. Not many performers can bring together so many trends and make them his own. Rick also plays the title character in his new film "Virgin Alexander" that was screened at the Las Vegas Film Festival.

My deepest sympathies for the passing of William Waters, a great personality, lawyer, producer and all around good guy. My condolences to his friends and family. William, (Willie to his friends) was the type of lawyer who workd pro-bono with production singers and dancers in Las Vegas. His good friend Bob Anderson will dedicate his performance with The Las Vegas Philharmonic at UNLV on Oct 22 to "Willie".

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Monti - Licious 7/4/11

What can I say about last weekend in Las Vegas? Big, big, big news.... The Electric Daisy Carnival at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway was a huge success. Very few arrests even though some 80,000+ attendees and 1000 security guards were there. Reportedly the revenue for Las Vegas was huge. I'm sure it will be back next year.

Britney Spears was a big success at The MGM Grand Arena even though she reportedly did that lip-sync thing. However, the production, singers and dancers were so great that it didn't matter. She also made an appearance at The Tropicana’s Nikki Beach Club arriving after 1a.m. and sipping bottled water and sodas. It appears the Nikki Beach Club and Britney are both tremendous successes.

The newly refurbished Plaza Hotel downtown looks wonderful and they're hiring. Luckily, they were able to purchase all of the beautiful furniture that was supposed to go into the now defunct Fountainbleau-Las Vegas.

The Four Queens Hotel and Casino will be the new home of An Evening At La Cage with Jimmy Emerson as host, beginning July 13. Jimmy is known for his outrageous characters. His Wynonna Judd and Tammy Spraynette are two of his most hilarious impressions. He and Frank Marino are two of the best female impersonators around. Let's call this new episode"The Dueling Divas." May the best Drag Queen win! Rumors have it that The Four Queens is toyng with the idea of keeping the room open after the show as a nightclub.

At the writing of this column, I want to address the fact that two major properties will now be in the "gay bar business." They are calling it alternative lifestyles, but I call it "gay bars," boys. Let's not forget gays have legal rights in New York now but many partners, like me and my partner, have been together for years - like 35 and still counting for me - with no legal paperwork needed.

What is happening to Sandy Hackett at the Riviera? There is a rumor that the Rat Pack show is closing due to alleged union problems, but this is only a rumor.

I must make a retraction from last week's column – oh man did I get it wrong? This gossip thing has me wallowing in retractions. The producers of Menopause said I have it all wrong so I am going to say that I had it all wrong!! Menopause has been, is, and will keep on being one of the most entertaining shows in town. Sometimes I do get my facts wrong but that’s life. When you’re dealing in whispers and innuendo, interpretations can sometimes get a little muddled.

Another one of the big attractions this week was at the M Resort. It was an evening for the playback party for the newly released Mark OToole CD. Mark is performing at the Ravello Lounge at the M Resort. The evening was full of film clips, film clips, film clips, etc. Why didn’t they call me? They had Frankie Scinta, Terry Fator, Carrot Top (and he knows my number), Kelly Clinton, even a very thin Sally Struthers doing Hello Dolly somewhere in America. I’ll be doing Hello Dolly in some summer stock one day soon. Mark OToole has an extraordinary story. This incredible young man has beaten stage 4 cancer and he has one of the best producers, Keith Olsen who has produced some of the major stars in the industry.

Besides the new CD, Mark is performing at the Ravello Lounge within the M Resort and it is well worth your discovering this fabulous crooner.Some of the standards he covers - Maybe This Time, When I Fall in Love and It's Not For Me to Say.

In the audience there were stars galore: Lorraine Hunt and Dennis Bono and of course Clint and Kelly Holmes, who introduced the act. But the standout was Vera Goulet, wife of the late Robert Goulet, who looked stunning in her black suit and red hair. She is keeping Goulet’s legacy alive by doing a retrospective of Bob’s life. Watch YouTube. I love you, Vera.

And there was Mary Wilson being Mary Wilson and I was being Monti Rock – kissy, kissy. Mary is still stunning at 67 and shows us that she can belt out songs with the best of them. In her show at the Riviera she mesmerizes the audience with her rendition of that great one, "Here's to Life"

But the surprise of the M Resort was that I got my Rewards Card on Tuesday and for $8 each, locals and a guest can have the most scrumptious lunch on Wednesday. This is one of the best bargains in Vegas today and the food was wonderful – paella, cappuccino, desserts to die for and a pleasant ambience. It is their homage to seniors. Am I a senior? Oh man, I’m not ready for that yet.

I was watching the 2011 BET Awards and they had a tribute and Lifetime Achievement Award for Patti LaBelle. She and this columnist go back a long, long time – even before Disco Tex. I used to open for the Rolling Stones and Patti LaBelle (then appearing as La Belle. I was a little-known singing hairdresser) and we clicked. Later on, Bob Crewe wrote Lady Marmalade and introduced my (Disco Tex’s) records, Get Dancing and I Want to Dance With You, which sold 7 million copies. Cee Lo’ Green did a tribute to Ms. LaBelle that included a wig and hairspray which was hysterical. He is on the new hit show, The Voice, along with other judges/coaches Christina Aguilera, Adam Levin and Blake Shelton. This show is my new guilty pleasure. Now, is Jennifer Lopez returning to American Idol? Rumor has it that it'll take more millions and I mean millions to entice her to return.

My old friend Clint Holmes, who had a great run in Vegas at Harrah’s (I saw him at the Golden Nugget originally), has a great story to tell. The consummate performer was recently playing Feinstein’s in New York and got great reviews. He's going to be appearing at the Cafe Carlyle in New York in October. The Carlyle had Bobby Short for many, many years and he held court with Gloria Vanderbilt, Jackie O, Truman Capote - the creme de la creme of New York café society. Bobby always liked Monti Rock and tried to help me stage my act – what act? I never had an act. The act was being Monti Rock III. But getting back to Clint Holmes, doing homage to Bobby Short. Bobby would play piano and sing Gershwin and Cole Porter. No one, unless you were there, could understand what that scene was all about. The Algonquin and the Carlyle were full of intellectuals and cafe society wannabee's. It was the jet set of its day. If anyone can bring a sense of what it was, it will be Clint Holmes. I call it the renaissance- everything old is new again. We had the opportunity to see Clint last weekend at his latest show at The Suncoast. He still gives his all on stage and has the talent to back up the energy. Another great show!

The Rev. Monti hopes you had a great July 4th holiday and wishes you a great week!

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