Monti Rock III Blog Page June 2009

Monti in Las Vegas
	*MONTI - LICIOUS JUNE 28, 2009. While in New York City this week I've been interviewing old pals, agents and family as I continue filming my docudrama, The Curse of Being Monti Rock III. New York is still the center of everything-something happening at any hour. And now Times Square has been closed off to vehicular traffic and is a pedestrain mall. Before I go any further, this week brought the devasting news of the passing of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon, all icons of the entertainment industry. In the middle of my hectic schedule I received a phone call regarding the passing of a Ed McMahon, a great American icon. My recollections of Ed are all positive and fun. I considered him one of my mentors whose input at the beginning of my career was most appreciated. Ed would frequently stop by Trudy Heller's in New York where I was performing and after getting fired from Caesars Palace in Las Vegas Ed was one of the few who reminded me to keep going and Caesars was merely a fork in the road. A gracious and great gentleman who always managed a smile and warm words for everyone including your humble correspondent. Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon may have shared the same television stage for thirty years but in reality they were not as close as they appeared. I once heard Ed was invited to Carson's home only twice during their years together and even then Carson did not invite Ed's wife. Carson was a very private man and few people were close to him. The last time I saw Ed McMahon he was at the Orleans in Las Vegas doing his act as W.C. Fields.... one of his crowning glories. He will be missed by many. Heeeeere's Ed Farrrah Fawcett died on Thursday , June 25 after a long battle wilth cancer. Farrah, one of the top pinups of all time (can anyone forget that poster), was also a very good actress. She had received 3 Emmy nominations over the years and also worked in film and on the stage .Her personal life was filled with controversy, including a failed marriage, a battered significant other, and the infamous stint on David Letterman's TV show. Through all this, she maintained a relationship with the love of her life, Ryan O'Neal. Sadly, their son, Redmond, could not be at her bedside, as he is in prison on drug charges. However, as of this writing, he will be allowed to attend his mother' funeral. Let's hope he straightens himself out, if not for himself, for his mother. To complete the "three at a time" theory, we lost Michael Jackson, The King of Pop, at the age of 50. The entire world is mourning the passing of this great entertainer, who was the entertainer of his generation as were Elvis and Sinatra in theirs. Throngs of people have gathered all over the world to pay tribute to this entertainment giant. There is nothing I can say about Michael that hasn't already been said in all the media. He was a musical genius who changed the face of today's' pop music So far the autopsies have shown no foul play, etc. Let us all remember his genius and the many good things he had accomplished and let the other rumors just fade away. In the works before this sad and untimely death was a possible Cirque show in the same vein as the Beatles' Love and the upcoming Elvis / Cirque show The world will miss you, Michael, and Farrah, and Ed.,, each of you , one of a kind. May you all rest in peace Sirius XM Radio , "The Kentertainment Report," was my first stop in New York City on Thursday where I was asked about my upcoming film and of course about my friend Ed McMahon. At that time I ran into Howard Stern, and advised him to move over because it was just announced that Rosie O'Donnell will be on Sirius radio with her new talk show. Maybe satellite radio is where she should be, as she has failed lately in most of her other ventures. Not sure if I received an invitation to Warren Buffett's Netjet gala at the Encore for last Saturday since I was out of town but my spies tell me it was truly a who's who in the world of money and entertainment. Elaine Wynn was emcee for the affair. If everyone attending the gala flew in on Netjet it's no wonder the regular airlines' are crying over their losses. On a personal note, I was disappointed to read that extreme sport skateboarder Tony Hawk was using the White House to exhibit his talents on the skateboard. Yes, Tony was allowed to skate both inside that historic building ,as well as adjoining areas. The White House has appeared to most of us as a symbol of America, a dignified place in our history. Now it's turned into a skateboard park? Lots of changes at the White House. It just can't be politics as usual when every week, or so it seems, another remorseful man steps up to the microphone to announce, "I've been unfaithful". The current list continues to grow and this week it was South Carolina's Governor Mark Sanford. Spitzer, Edwards, Ensign and President Clinton, at least are keeping it bi-partisan. Maybe if they were taking care of business instead of taking care of their* business, things would be better for everyone. To continue on the "sport" level, Las Vegas tennis star Andre Agassi has just announced he's joining the Word Team Tennis this year to play for the Philadelphia Freedoms. It was in 2006 that Agassi retired. He's only one of many well-known tennis stars playing World Team Tennis. Among others you can add both Venus and Serena Williams as well as John McEnroe to the list of competitors to play World Team Tennis this year. World Team Tennis was founded by Billie Jean King and she also owns the Philadelphia Freedoms that Agassi will join. Apparently his decision to join was the result of Billie Jean's person-to-person invitation. Lord of the Dance has arrived in Las Vegas and is opening at Planet Hollywood in the Steve Wyrick Theater. There's much fanfare about the arrival of "Dance" and this columnist wishes them much success with their latest Vegas visit. This is precision footwork at its best. In other Las Vegas news Marriage Can Be Murder is an inter active comedy that opens at Fitzgerald's Casino and Hotel downtown on June 29. It's more than a show, it's dinner theater and has received some good reviews. Dinner theater is hard to find in Las Vegas, so take advantage of this one. Hats off to Broadway Superstar Patty Lupone. She stopped her show at the Orleans during the singing of her signature song, "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina" to chastise a third row patron who was using some kind of recording device. He should have known better, as Ms Lupone has been known to do this before. It's time for the audiences to respect the entertainers and not distract them while performing. Producer-hypnotist Anthony Cools has become Bobby Slayton's producer at the Comedy Room at The Tropicana. He is also planning to bring in 3 other shows to that room, giving us shows at 4:00, 6:00, 8:00 and 10.00 PM. This along with other Cool's productions would give us a tremendous selection to choose from at The Tropicana, which has begun a much needed $100 million renovation. Rumors are still flying about the possibility of Garth Brooks signing a contract to appear as resident entertainer at the Encore. He is one of the few who would do consistently sell-out business. Jubillee, the last of the old Vegas type glitz shows celebrates its 28th anniversary on July 31st. This show is the Las Vegas version of the French style revue, "Lido de Paris" It has it all, lavish costumes, gorgeous show girls, etc. City Center will have a Latin theme steakhouse, a spin off of Beso , when it opens later this year. Latin actress Eva Langoia, who , incidentally is contributing a few recipes, is one of the investors along with chef Todd English. Our favorite Latin superstar, Jennifer Lopez, has closed down her designer clothing business. C'mon Jay-Lo, get back to what you do best-act, dance and sing. The public wants you out in front, not behind the scenes. , .From NYC, The Rev Monti wishes you all a great week.	Monti Selects Archives 2009 March 2009 April 2009 May 2009 2008 June 03 to July 28 Aug 06 to Sept 12 Sept 23 to Oct 23 Nov 01 to Dec 23 Dec16 to Mar 2, 2009
	MONTI-LICIOUS JUNE 21, 2009 *Correction, correction, correction.....In my haste to make deadline last week I made a big mistake when I wrote that Charo would be appearing at the Sahara. No, no! The show, "Charo in Concert' opens July 10 at THE RIVIERA.* Twenty-five years ago Cirque du Soleil was "born" Cirques' production Mystere was brough to Treasure Island, thanks to Steve Wynn. Mystere was the creation of Guy Laliberte and was directed by Franco Dragone whose name has become synonymous with the Las Vegas Cirque productions. In celebration of this special anniversary TI is offering special ticket prices for Mystere which is a first for this Cirque spectacular.. As previoulsly reported the show has gotten a 5 year exreinsion of its' contract. Guy Laliberte is in the news for other reasons than his Cirque creations. Seems his former mistress, with whom he has three children, is writing an unauthorized tell-all about the man and his sex-capades. What do any of us expect from a successful French man? They're romantic, creative and hop from bed to bed. At this time efforts are underway to stop the publication of the book. Time will tell. The International Irish group, Lord of the Dance arrived in town on Sunday to prepare for their opening June 25 at Planet Hollywood's Steve Wyrick Theater. We're all hoping the landlord, Steve Wyrick, will behave himself. An always popular entertainment genre in Las Vegas is magic. But then isn't all of Las Vegas magic? Keeping in line with that, Rick Thomas the master illusionist has just returned from a world tour and willl open at the Sahara on July 16 with his Bengal Tigers in tow. Before Rick's world tour he was entertaining audiences at the Tropicana and earlier at the Stardust. The latest addition to the magic genre has just been announced by Bob Vannucci, President of the Riviera. Scarlett and Her Seductive Ladies of Magic debuts at the Riviera on July 1. It's a 10:00 PM show and features topless dancers in addition to the magic created by Scarlett. We were all looking forward to the Mob Museum downtown but it sounds as if a pending law suite may hold up the project for the foreseeable future. Sob for the Mob. My sources don't see a resolution to this for some time. The Australian act , Human Nature, opened at the Imperial Palace last week to great reviews by Motown enthusiasts. This is their first stop in Las Vegas but the group arrived here after having toured with such stars as Celine Dion and Michael Jackson. Thank Smokey Robinson for bringing us us the Ultimate Celebration of Motown - Human Nature. Speaking of Smokey Robinson, he will be performing at The Imperial Palace on Friday nights for hopefully a long run. Smokey IS Motown. Wednesdays show had the audience dancing in their seats. It is rumored that Frank Marino has found a new home for his show. Hi has allegedly been talking with producer Adam Steck about doing a 6:00 pm show at The imperial Palace. If all goes well, hotel president Don Marandino will have 4 hit shows running simultaneously at the IP. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has just announced the arrival of a new original television show, Artie's Party: A Search For The Next Miss Howard TV. Yes, it's Howard Stern's side kick Artie Lange and another regular Ronnie "the limo driver" Mund who will act as hosts and judges in their search for the next Miss Howard TV. Did you see Artie on HBO's Joe Buck Show? Too much--even for HBO. All bikini clad ladies are invited to attend the initial search which begins June 27 at the Hard Rock. Winner is treated to a cash prize plus an appearance with Howard Stern on his Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Who could pass up that? Golden Rainbow's 23rd annual Ribbon of Life benegit / show willl be presented at The Hilton on June 28th at 1:00PM. George Wallace presides. There are about 250 scheduled performers for this annual event. For more information call 702-384-2899 or visit www.goldenrainbow.org. Jerry Mitchell's Peepshow at Planet Hollywood is a gem but I still think it could use a comic or an added attraction. Why don't they call me, Jerry? After all, I am an entertainer's entertainer and might be available. In the mean time the replacement for Mel B has just been announced. Broadway is sending us Tony winner Shoshana Bean who appeared in the Tony Award-winning production of Hairspary, amd then went on to star in Wicked. She is a triple threat , who can sing, dance, and act and her theatrical experience will bring a whoe new element to the stage at Planet Hollywod. Julianne Hough, of Dancing With the Stars fame, has been offered a lead role in the remake of Footloose. If she can act as well as she sings and dances , she'll be our next superstar. Larry King appeared for a one night event at the Wynn. Larry's second choice for a career would be that of a stand up comedian instead of a world renowned broadcaster for CNN. Both Larry and his lovely wife Shawn have real connections to Las Vegas. Larry's nephew Scott Zeiger heads up Peepshow at Planet Hollywood, Phantom of the Opera and Wayne Brady at the Venetian while Shawn's father, Karl Engemann, has been the long time manager for Marie Osmond. Keeping it in the family I guess. Shawn reportedly will appear on Broadway playing the villainess in the upcoming Spider-Man musical. It was a bit of a shock when Marilyn Winn President of Rio All Suites announced the sudden closing of ND's Club Fuego. The show closed unexpectedly on June 15 and as the curtain came down on this explosive Latin production Ms. Winn sent her best regards to the creator and wished much success to the entire group. Let's hope that ND can come up with another Havana Nights. Our report of the closing a several weeks ago was correct, however it was a bit premature. News and views: My good friends Mr. & Mrs. Buddy Greco are touring Europe where Buddy continues to be a huge star. Their club in Palm Springs didn't fare as well as expected. Just got off the phone with Bob Anderson in Branson, Missouri. Seems he and his beautiful wife Karen are moving to North Carolina where Bob will be performing in his own room. They still miss Las Vegas and their Vegas friends. Mimi Hines is on the mend and will be appearing in The Full Monty which opens in Florida in July. Lindsay Lohan give back the jewels! David Letterman has apologized enough. Give it a rest. And a shout-out to Bill Mahr who says he's tired of President Obama being on television day and night. Stay home, get something done, you were elected to be President, not a television star. It will be an Elvis Presley Cirque show at the new City Center in the fall. My friend, Billy Joel, is reportedly divorcing his "child" bride-hmmmm! If I should get a call from Jerry Mitchell, or anyone else, in regards to a personal appearance I'll be forced to delay for a short time. By the time you read this column I'll have arrived in Baltimore to attend a wedding and then on to New York City for shopping and to seal my reality show. The finishing touches of my docudrama, The Curse of Being Monti Rock III. And what a curse! I'm still going strong at 70. Of course the blog will continue in my absence. Lucky you!
	MONTI -LICIOUS JUNE 13. 2009 Everyone knows Las Vegas as a Mecca for gambling but more and more Vegas is becoming known as the desert oasis for world class entertainment at any given time. Stars everywhere in town. Whether performing, playing or enjoying the party, the stars are here. Readers are invited to take advantage of all Las Vegas has to offer including star watch. I just returned from the press conference and luncheon given by The Hilton to announce the arrival of Sgt. Pepper Live featuring rock and roll CheapTrick. The show, produced by Bill Edwards features a full symphony orchestra and many guest singers. Cheap Trick is probably the only band able to bring American Rock to the music of The Beatles in a live performance. The limited engagement begins in Sep.13, with tickets going on sale Sat., June 13. , Sgt. Pepper Live brings back memories of one of my greatest moments as I recall filming the final scene of the 1976 movie of the same name which starred Peter Frampton. But even more heartwarming for me was when three members of Cheap Trick remembered me from NYC and my days at Trudy Heller's fabulous Greenwich Village club. By the way The Hilton is still negotiating with Barry Manilow to extend his contract for a couple of years.. Speaking of contract extensions, how about Mystere extending it's contract for another five years! The first, and still the best Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas CineVegas is only one example if you're in to star search. Both on screen and off you'll find actors and entertainers of all levels. Two years ago one of my own films was presented at CineVegas and I was thrilled to be part of the annual affair. For some reason many of the stars associated with the fims were no shows. What is really going on behind the scenes? Palin vs. Letterman may very well be the latest in a title bout. It did seem as if television's long time late night host stepped over the line when joking about the Palin family. Tsk, tsk..... guess that's part of politics now. Probably most would agree Sarah Palin can defend herself as well as her family. And now it's Gene Simmons vs. Carlos Santana. Neither of them should resort to this knocking of each others talent -as Santana is a huge success at The Hard Rock and Gene still has his TV reality show. Bette Midler's 100th performance at Caesars Coliseum was an absolute delight. It was quite the celebration and as usual Bette didn't disappoint. She works furiously hard - singing and joking better than ever. My thanks go out to Kirvin Communications and Caesars Palace for providing such beautiful accommodations in the new Augustus Tower where the view of the Strip was spectacular. Thank you for treating this star like the star I am. I really must get over being too humble. Charo's fans are looking forward to her opening at the Sahara in a couple of weeks. We've been friends over the years and I am a true fan. Charo says she's opening at the Sahara with a new attitude, full band and fabulous flamenco. Which reminds me.... if you've never seen Charo play her flamenco guitar you are in for something special. Many fans aren't aware but as a young girl Charo studied under the great Segovia in Spain. There must be a way to market this remarkable lady here in Las Vegas, Maybe it has to do with ticket brokers or something. I just know I 'm here for you my darling Charo. Lord of the Dance will be at the Steve Wyrick Theater at Planet Hollywood as I announced last week. This is a limited engagement and producer Bob Cayne is taking a big risk, but then haven't we all. Landlord Steve Wyrick hasn't had the best reputation when it comes to shows for his theater. The tenant list includes Wes Winters, Trent Carlini, Bubble Man and Puppet Man. In the meantime Steve Wyrick the performer keeps his own show open. Hats off to Steve. The International Rock Star Academy at 1631 East Sunset Road seems to be getting off to a good start having already produced two young performers who have recently been acknowledged for their singing abilities and may soon head to a reality television show. The Academy is SAG affiliated and has special offers for their students this summer. They even offer a free evaluation, should you be interested. Call (702) 373-3702 for more info. Who wouldn't want to be a rock star? The Carradine family has been part of the movie industry for decades. I first met David and brother Keith Carradine many years ago in Hollywood. That was before all of those wives and 20 or so kids. That's quite a legacy. The latest from Bangkoks' coroner is that David's death could not have been a suicide. After s few more results, the family is insisting that there be be a full investigation as to what really transpired. Las Vegas is still struggling with the loss of Danny Gans. The latest report states it was an an accidental death brought about by a reaction to a prescription pain killer. However, there are no recent prescriptions. Was the medication outdated or did he take an incorrect dosage? In any case, our hearts continue to go out to the family The M Resort is offering poolside concerts this summer. Might be a nice way to spend a warm evening in the desert and in case your interested, some of the hotel pools are open to locals. Human Nature, the boys from down under, just opened at the Imperial Palace in their Motown tribute where Ben Vereen was spotted in the audience. It's good to see Ben out and about.: "Defending the Caveman's" third anniversary.has Kevin Burke working 2 shows daily 4:00 pm and 7::00 pm at The Excalibur and then his nightime stand-up comedy at Fitzgeralds. A busy, busy man. More power to you, Kevin. A charity affair on June 20 will have the Metro Police competing with the Henderson Firefighters in a burrito eating contest to benefit both the LV Police and Henderson Firefighters. Also a benefit performance by The Jersey Boys for Nevada Public Radio, on June 26. These are both worthy causes. Celebrity impersonator Trina Johnson-Finn is finally back home after being acquitted on charges of defrauding a Suriname audience. Innocent or guilty, an American in a foreign prison is no fun, to say the least., especially for a female. If it is any consolation, she is now known all over the world. and will undoubtedly be working for a long time. JUST IN: , Cher's daughter to become Cher's son. Yes Chastity Buono, daughter of the late Sonny Buono and Cher is set to have sex-change surgery in the very near future. Details to follow as they come in. Lance Burton has still not returned to work, as his foot injury has not yet fully healed. Will he return to Monte Carlo when his 13 year contract is up next week? Rumor has it that he is negotiating with the new theater set to open at the Civic Center.later this year. Another show biz loss; Sam Butera, veteran Las Vegas performer, who played alongside Louis Prima died this week. Sam, and his band, The Witnesses remained one of the great Las Vegas lounge acts even after the death of Prima. Sam Butera, a fine musician and a real gentleman will be missed. Rev Monti will see you al next time. Have a great week.
	********************** MONTI -LICIOUS JUNE 6, 2009** The crowning event for such a wonderful week in Las Vegas simply had to be my Birthday Gala to celebrate the life and times of a celebrity who keeps re-inventing himself. The guests, the music, the food all created a surreal event. My film maker Michael Piehl came in from New York to be a part of the gala and to add the finishing touches on my docudrama: , The Legend Continues.' Again my sincere thanks to Lance and Eva Posner, the greatest hosts ever, who opened their home to the celebration and as usual contributed so much to the evening's festivities. JR'S and Frediani's helped in providing the great food. and Great Buns porvided fabulous cakes. With the closing of Mamma Mia at Mandalay Bay the familiar sounds of ABBA that we miss will soon return to Las Vegas. Anticipation is surrounding the arrival of Abbacadabra's debut at the Las Vegas Hilton June 12-14. Abbacadabra's creator and founder, Gary Raffanelli, has been the spotlight for Las Vegas radio and television all week. Sounds like my friend Ira David Sternberg at the Hilton has come up with another winner. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace celebrated the 100th performance of Bette Midler's The Showgirl Must Go On on June 7. Caesars will keep the celebration going by offering locals special pricing for tickets all the way to June 28. In addition to the special ticket offers Bette has some surprises in store for the audiences. This show is one of those true Las Vegas extravaganzas and Midler fans from all over rave about her voice and some of those moves that twenty year-olds would find hard to perform. She truly is The Showgirl. It's refreshing to hear some good news for a change and that's exactly what I felt when I heard the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino would be hiring some 1200 new employees before the end of this year. Whew! Seems they didn't quite spend all of their money with the $750 million expansion. At least they have enough left to hire a staff to take care of the expansion. Well done Hard Rock. Entertainment can come in many forms and in case you missed it The Ruby Slipper Collection and Inspration of Oz Fine Art Exhibit recently took place at Planet Hollywood. The exhibit was free to visitors and was created as acknowledgment of the 70th Anniversary of Wizard of Oz. Oz inspired slippers included in the exhibit came from several major designers (can you say Manolo Blahnik?). Holly Madison was a featured guest. Of course the Wizard of Oz is synonymous with Judy Garland whom I met in New York City when I was a hair stylist to the stars. To this day I have maintained a relationship with her daughters Liza Minelli and Lorna Luft. I can't possibly be that old, can I? Britain's Got Talent didn't crown Susan Boyle as everyone expected but she did take second place in the finals. Just as well because she had just experienced a break down of sorts, but then so did we all. Anyway, the producer Simon Cowell stepped to the plate and will manage Susan's career for the time being. Actually I can relate to Susan Boyle because at one time the press hounded me and I didn't know how to get away from the cameras. Those were the good old days. The darling from this season's American Idol, Adam Lambert, finally admits he's gay. No kidding! Gay or not, he's a great talent with a great future. Rumor has it that he's already been offered to appear with Queen as front man for their upcoming tour. Jay Leno bid farewell to the Tonight Show after seventeen years and opened the door for Conan O'Brien. Despite some pretty high profile guests, Conan's debut was a little shaky. To me he's always looked like Howdy Doody. It's Howdy Doody Time. It's Conan O'Brien Time. '' Last Monday I went to New York New York with friends. to see 'ZUMANITY, THE SENSUAL SIDE OF.CIRQUE DU SOLEIL' Zumanity has a new host, Edie, the "Mistress of Sensualilty", and sensual she is. It's a variety show with a European decadent flavor.Dance genres incllude tango, flamenco, Africa dance, and striptease, to name a few My thanks to the show and to everyone at New York New York. It was a delightful evening. This is one of six "Cirque"productions currently in Las Vegas. Following the show I ran into Julie Newmar at the gift shop. We had a wonderful time and talked about her Las Vegas visit.. She was the original Catwoman of the Batman TV series and is still striking and an extraordinary women. HUMAN NATURE , the Australian show and presented by Smokey Robinson did a special opening peformance at The Imperial Palace. This group of 4 very talented Australain gents plus a great band recreate the Motown sound as well as reminding us of the Beatles. These guys are special, and should be around for a long time. It's baa-ack! Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance returns to Las Vegas for a limited engagement at the Steve Wyrick Theatre, Planet Hollywood.from June 25- Aug 16. This is a classic tale of good vs. evil based on old Irish folklore with colorful costumes, dramatic music, and of course some of the greatest precision dancing you willlever s.Also at Planet Hollywood, the 'Fab Four Live' performs.5:30 shows daily (dark Thursdays) at the V Theater.. See a good show , then have the rest of the evening for dinner, casino, etsc. My friend Bobby Slayton who's performing at he Trop, is a must see show. This man is another one of those great comics who have fun with the audience., and of cousre, the audience has a great time. On a sad note,actor David Carradine was found dead in his hotel room in Bangkok. The 72 year old actor was in Bangkok to shoot a movie.avid was a uniquely talented actor, best known for his iconic starring role in the TV series--Kung Fu though he appeared in more than 100 movies. He was the son of famed character actorJohn Carradine. at first it was thought to be suicide, but now appears to be an accidental death. THe Danny Gans autopsy has been completed, but the results are yet to be released. we should have more news on this within the next 2 weeks Rev Monti, yours truly, was busy on Sunday, filming a segment for an upcoming documentary about Las Vegas personalities, Hope you all have a great week.
	MONTI -LICIOUS 6/2/09 First of all, I want to thank all for making my 70th (yes, 70), birthday one my most memorable days , especailly to Lance and Eva Posner, who hosted my party at their beautiful home, and to Marci Weiss and Terese DiMartino, who worked so hard in setting up the party.and, of course, to everyone else who helped make it a very special day. A special thanks to those of you who came in from New York and Florida to join in on the festivities. JUST IN: ND's Fuego Show at THe Rio has closed. This Latin themed show never got off the ground since closing at the Stardust a few years ago. The original show (Havana Nights) was one of the most exciting, energetic shows on the strip The entire cast was let go this weekend. Many of the performers were "imported" from Puerto RIco and Miami as well as many of the original cast from Cuba. This multi-talented group of people are now out of work and away from home. Lets hope the can find work soon. Lorraine Hunt and Dennis Bono held a press conference at Bootleggers to announce the return of Kelley Clinton aka Mrs. Clint Holmes, who will be hosting an open microphone celebrity night at Bootleggers starting June 1st. This will be a comeback, or maybe it's a welcome back to Bootleggers, for Kelley. Just a note to the readers:, this is not karaoke. Our hostess, Ms. Hunt, was very gracious and a fantastic luncheon was provided all who attended the press conference. Bootleggers is known as a home away from home for many entertainers in Las Vegas. and hopefully will again be the place for both newcomers and established performers to come in and "jam". . For readers who have not been to Bootleggers, you're missing something. There hasn't been much talk about President Obama and his Las Vegas fund raising event at Caesars Palace for Harry Reid. Among the enteratiners were Bette Midler, Sheryl Croand Clint Holmes. No big comments from either Governor Gibbons or Mayor Goodman. Play nice, boys. There is plenty of furor over the American Idol voting. Allegedly, some AT&T employees in Arkansas furnished extra phones at 2 separate parties and some of the phones were capable of "power texting" .In the end, Kris Allen still had more than enough votes to win. Alas poor Susan Boyle-she lost first place in the British Idol contest to a dance group , but I'm sure we'll be hearing more of that beautiful voice on future CDs, etc. My delightful friend Charo will be coming back to Las Vegas to open a new show at the Riviera on July 10.. I've followed Charo's career for years and she's been a great friend and supporter of this columnist. Charo performed solo on her last appearance here in Vegas but will bring the full show to the Riviera. The "cuchi-cuchi" girl you all know is also a world renowned classical flamenco guitarist. who has played in Carnegie Hall in NYC and will be there again later this yeaar. Salsero, another Latino event in town continues to lure the Latin dancers to the South Point every Friday night. The great 11 piece Michito Sanchez orchestra featuring Johnny 'Dandy' Rodriguez brings us back to the heyday of Latin dance music of the 50's and 60's and places like The Palladium in NYC. This band really gets the people moving and coming back each week for more. Santana,now the resident performer at The Joint at the Hard Rock , is a musical force to be reckoned with. His show is tremendous with powerful percussion backing his great guitar playing. He is still one of the great musicians of our time. He doesn't waste any time with small talk, as he is there to make music, and that he does! The newly renovated Joint is the perfect venue for his new show., which runs through June 14- and returns at dates later to be announced. Menopause the Musical opened at the Luxor last week to rave reviews. In the audience were Felix Rappaport, Mike Hartzell and Anita Mann among many others. The show has been fine tuned. and reminds us of a true Broadway show. Queen Emily from America's Got Talent is a force to be reckoned with. . The show will play regularly at 4:00 in the afternoon but also is taking over the 8:00 PM slot in Carrot Top's absence. It really is one of those laugh out loud feel good shows. The Luxor is fast becoming one of the few hotels that offers something for everyone, what with Menopause, Believe, Carrot Top, and Fantasy and nightclubs such as Lax and Cathouse among others. By the way, The More Buffet is one of the best buffets on th strip. Julien's Auctions will be offering items from Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and others for the Summer Sale at Planet Hollywood on June 26 and 27. The items can be viewed at Planet Hollywood as early as June 13. If you're a collector or just have some interest this could be for you. Bob Hope who was one of America's greatest comedians and a true humanitarian is being honored by the U.S. Postal Service. A new stamp with his likeness is being issued and the timing couldn't be better because his beloved Dolores recently celebrated her 100th birthday. There's a lot of rumbling in town, but not much solid news about Steve Wyrick's Theater at Planet Hollywood. Is Trent Carlini in or out? Rumor has it that Trent takes time off from his Las Vegas shows at the Steve Wyrick Theater to do television. Sometimes his Las Vegas show is cancelled at the drop of a hat. Lance Burton won't be returning to the Monte Carlo as early as anticipated. Seems his broken bone isn't healing quite as fast as he had hoped. This year's CineVegas celebration will honor actors Jon Voight and Willem Defoe, film directors George and Mike Kuchar together with video game designers Kellee Santiago and Jenova Chen. CineVegas festivities will be held at the Palms Casino Resort and Brenden Theatres June 10 to June 15. This will be the eleventh successful year for CineVegas and adds another dimension for the Las Vegas entertainment scene. Last week the Las Vegas media was introduced to Don Bull Productions. Read on friends, you'll think the name of the production company to be "right on". The South Point Arena will be hosting bloodless bullfighting. The bulls are fitted with protective pillows so as not to be injured. September events will be on the 14th and 15th in conjunction with Mexican Independence Day and again on September 27 thru 30. This will be the first bullfight in Las Vegas in 45 years and the events will introduce us to world renowned bull fighters. Ole' Long before all the Cirque shows arrived in Las Vegas, there was a gentleman performing here who drew audiences from all around the world. His magnificent costumes, flamboyant style was synonymous with Las Vegas so in his memory and in connection with the Liberace Foundation, it's just been announced a full-scale Broadway production is in the works. Liberace, The Musical: I'll Be Seeing You will be the result of collaboration between the Liberace Foundation and Barbara Carole Sickman of New York City who has already engaged such talents as composer Marvin Hamlisch and playwright Roger O. Hirson to create the show. Whoopi Goldberg played to a sold out audience at the Danny Gans Theater at the Encore last week end. The second night of her performance there was a medical emergency in the audience. Whoopi stopped her show to check on the gentleman that was in distress and I was told he removed the oxygen mask momentarily and looked at Whoopi stating, "you're a funny lady". Guess that says it all, Whoopi. Ocean's 7, is a name you'll be hearing about in the near future. Usher, Nelly, muscic producer Jermaine Dupri and others are forming a group of entertainers who plan to do a movie, an album and a big show in Las Vegas. What's novel about this is that they always dress for the occasion and hopes this will start a td-making Vegas look the way it used to. If the performers are well-dressed, hopefully the audience will be too. Mark your calendars for June 12, 13 and 14 when Abbacadabra will present the Ultimate ABBA Concert at the Las Vegas Hilton Showroom. This is the Las Vegas debut for Abbacadabra but the accolades for the show have come from all around the world. Tickets are available by calling (702) 732-5755 and the price is right! Jay Leno is gone from the TV scene for a while and won't be back until September. The Tonight Show continues with Conan O'Brien. Whether or not Conan can succedd at this new time slot remains to be seen , as well as Jay Leno in prime time in September. NBC will have a whole now look , which it badly needs .Let,s hope the peacock network comes back to what it was. What's all this twitter ? Stop the twitter ant tweets. The Rev Monti, wishes you all a great week.