MONTI-LICIOUS 5/31/11

Oh, oh, oh! I can report my Annual 70th Birthday Bash was exciting and delightful. It was one of the loveliest evenings this columnist has ever enjoyed. Being 70 again, again and again!

So many guests, friends and supporters to thank. First of all, my dear hostess Roxanne Miller and her staff for accommodating about 100 guests throughout the evening. Thanks to my film crew: Roy Scimeca, Brandon Manning and Ed Foster. Your videos and photos will keep the evening alive for me. Many thanks also go out to Rick White from the Las Vegas Hilton and his beautiful wife, Phyllis. Your generosity and kindness is so appreciated. Guests enjoyed listening to Alexander George who performed his Rod Stewart Tribute and brought down the house.

My thanks and gratitude go out to Levy's Deli, Great Buns Bakery, English Garden Florist, Marci Weiss for the birthday cake, Bill and Molly Larimore from 4Wall Entertainment for the wonderful wine, Jerry Rispoli, and the bartenders and servers. You all made it a night to remember.

THe "Chairman of the Board" lives on-and on--thankfully. Frank Sinatra Jr. and his 17-piece orchestra will perform "Sinatra Sings Sinatra" at The Orleans June 25-26. The great songs and arrangements are a national treasure, along with the memories of Frank Sinatra.

Kevin Burke celebrates 3000 performances of Defending The Caveman at Harrahs on June 7. Locals can enjoy $30 tickets and one free buffet through the month of June.

Absinthe, at Caesars Palace, is getting a new "Gazillionaire." Voki Kalfayan, who created the character, is reportedly joining the Clrque du Soleil roster. He is being replaced by Matt Morgan. What will the Absinthe producers do with all the promo material featuring the aforementioned Voki????

Jeff Timmons, of musical group 98 Degrees, is a big success as guest host of the Chippendale show at Rio. His engagement has been extended another two weeks through June 19th because of the sellout crowds.

Mayor Oscar Goodman honored Penn & Teller on May 31, 2011, with a key to the city. The magical duo will be recognized for their dedication to the Las Vegas community and their support of AFAN. They can be seen regularly at Rio All Suites Hotel and continue to entertain audiences with their special brand of magic.

On the subject of magic, Rick Thomas is reportedly in negotiations with the Riviera and the golden boy of magic, Steve Wyrick, will call the Las Vegas Hilton home. This cat does have nine lives.

Station Casinos has an unbelievable entertainment schedule for June. Jazz great Al Jarreau kicks off the month on June 3 at Aliante Station for one night only, while Restless Heart makes a stop at Santa Fe Station on the same night. Green Valley Ranch features Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt on June 4. A dear friend of mine, comic legend Marty Allen will appear at the Louie Anderson Theater inside Palace Station June 14 - 18. Marty and his friends keep Levy's Deli filled with laughs while patrons nosh on deli delights. Check Station Casinos Web site for complete details. A great entertainment venue in every Las Vegas direction for Station Casinos, including Red Rock Station's full roster of concert venues.

An official PGA Tour Event in Las Vegas on September 26 has just been announced. It's the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open that presents the Charley Hoffman Foundation Las Vegas Pro-Am. Las Vegas has become the adopted home of pro-golfer Charley Hoffman and his wife, and September can be an absolutely perfect time for the game of golf, or so I've been told. For complete details contact: Mike Zampini at (702) 587-4946 or mzampini@jtshrinersopen.com.

Las Vegas will be one of the stops for the tour of cast members of the hit television series Glee. Reportedly, the tour is a complete sellout.

My entourage and I enjoyed dinner at the Cheesecake Factory in Boca Park. They have an almost unlimited menu, including a favorite fish 'n chips and herb crusted salmon. Not to worry, I had to try a Cheesecake. Now I understand why the Cheesecake Factory is so popular nationwide. In Las Vegas, they have three locations - Summerlin (Boca Park), Henderson (The District) and the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Moderately priced and good service make it hit. Tell them Monti sent you!

As this season's television shows draw to an end, we can say farewell to Dancing With the Stars and another favorite, American Idol. Next up is The X-Factor with Simon Cowell, who was formerly with American Idol. Yawn.... I can hardly wait.

My excitement is hard to contain after speaking with Ken Baker. The gaming guru is working on designing a Monti Rock III game! In the future, you may see Monti Rock III in every casino, every day and every night. Could it get any better?

Rich Little, has opened at the new Starlite Theater at the Riviera. Rich still has it. His famous impressions of iconic stars of the past are as fresh and on the mark as they were "back in the days" Thanks to the Riviera and the HIlton, the north end of the Strip is alive again.

The big event the week was the grand opening party of the Nikki Beach club at the Tropicana. This was the party of parties. Beautiful people, what seemed like thousands of them, enjoyed the food, drinks, the service, and the ambiance of this beautiful new retaurant/club. All this and fabulous music made for a special evening. Nikki Beach is the place to go and be seen. The Tropicana has a winner!

The Monti Minute, the Monti Blog, an autobiography.... boy, I am busy! I might be self-absorbed, don't you think? It's good to be The Full Monti.

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MONTI-LICIOUS 5/25/11

What a Birthday! What a Birthday Party and what an event! This was my annual 70th Birthday Party at Roxanne Miller's estate. Roxee, as her friends call her, is not only a great hostess but an exceptional friend.

First of all, a huge thanks to David Filter of English Gardens Florists for the abundance of white orchids and flowers. They were superb. Great Buns Bakery on Tropicana supplied all the desserts which were devoured quickly. Thanks to Liz and the ladies from Great Buns. Thanks also to Ken Baker and his wonderful group. Ken is a gaming guru and supplied all the bartenders. Levy's Deli sent bagels, bagels, bagels and fabulous bundt cakes Thank you. Thanks to Bill & Molly Larimore for all the wine. 4Wall Entertainment always comes through and never lets me down! The wonderful Ed Foster photographed the entire evening. He's one of the best! And video was provided by my dear friend Roy Scimeca, along with Brandon Manning, who's filming my life story. Additional special thanks go to Marci Weiss for the wonderful birthday cake, Ramondo for the pasta and salad, Jerry Rispoli, the servers and bar tenders. And, of course, to Sam Younghans without whom there would not be my website: www.montirock.us.

Among the guests was a wonderful new star, Alexander George. ( I'll be doing marketing for Alexander who does a fabulous Rod Stewart tribute), Rick White, from the Las Vegas Hilton, along with his beautiful wife Phyllis, and the stunning Stefanie Sanchez.

This was a most important birthday. I'll never forget it. So much love and kindness and so much support. Oh! To be 70 again! Where did the time go?

Hard to imagine, but there were other events in Las Vegas over the week end. The Billboard Music Awards were held at the MGM. Yes, Justin Beiber, Taylor Swift with a tribute to Beyonce were included in the evening. And what was that? Rhianna kissing Taylor Swift? Give me a break! Sometimes it's just a big yawn.

The political game is heating up in Las Vegas. I should have planned ahead and be running for mayor.

On the television front Dancing With The Stars and Glee have wound up their seasons while Oprah said farewell to her daytime show that's aired for 25 years. Reportedly her new network hasn't taken off as expected. It's all about her brand, darlings.

Again, stay tuned for the Monti Minute radio spot and to Monti's television documentary, "What's The Point?"

To my fans and supporters, I love you all. I really love you all. It's good to be the King...... or the Queen. This is a great time for Monti Rock III, or haven't you noticed?

A link to Monti's 70th Birthday party!

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MONTI-LICIOUS 5/16/11

Today, Monday 5/16/11 was the demise of the great Sahara Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. It's been open for more than 50 years. The Sahara was a history of the Las Vegas lounges with acts like Louie Prima and Keely Smith, Johnny Carson, Buddy Hackett and Jerry Lewis, among others. At 2:00 PM, the doors closed forever and it all becomes history. Many of the furnishings are to be auctioned at a later date.

A few years ago a stage production of the movie Saturday Night Fever, in which I played the part of the DJ, was brought to the Sahara and they made my part the central character, Monti the DJ. The show did very well everywhere, except Las Vegas. At the time Charo was playing in the Congo Room and doing great business.

I'll never forget that my friend Steve Wyrick built an incredible theater at the Sahara. That unfortunately, due to too many partners, failed. But, it DID lead to his latest venture with The Las Vegas Hilton. Steve will be presenting his new production, and it is a production, at the Hilton on a stage large enough to accomodate his new features. Entertainment guru, RIck White, know how to keep things jumping at The Hilton.

Last week David Cassidy was appearing at the Orleans and I made a point to catch his show. I wanted to reconnect with David. He reminded me that we first met when he was only 16 years old. It was at the Red Velvet in Los Angeles. I was in Los Angeles with Band of Gold and was on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Hollywood came out in droves to see me, this young New York Lady Gaga look alike do his thing. In those days I couldn't stand Hollywood. David will be bringing one of the biggest shows ever produced to Las Vegas in the near future. Can't divulge details but it's going to be one of the great, great Las Vegas shows. Twelve years ago David opened the doors for me in Vegas when he was appearing in EFX at the MGM. He later produced and starred in the original Rat Pack Show at the Desert Inn, followed by his hit, The Copa, at The Rio with Sheena Easton. David Cassidy and his brother are not only producers and writers, they actually know show business. The legacy speaks for itself.

There was a great announcement this week about Jaki Baskow and her company Baskow and Associates. Jaki has been in Las Vegas for 35 years with her "full destination management company".. Jaki and Monti are joining forces to produce and oversee my new brand as a columnist, The Monti Minute radio show, and my television show, What's the Point? The point is the life of Monti Rock III.

We're gearing up for the Monti Rock Annual 70th Birthday Bash. The party of the century. There will be new acts introduced, friends and supporters, film crew and the wonderful Roxanne Miller, hostess. Also in the mix is Terese DiMartino, Marci Weiss, Paige O'Hara and all my ladies in waiting..... since I am the Queen. It's all about spirit, about love, all about support and it's all about the power of kindness.
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MONTI - LICIOUS 5/12/11

The great Rod Stewart has signed a 2 year residency contract at The colosseum at Caesars Palace beginning in August. This show, according to Rod, will be up-close, friendly. and intimate. No big productionsor special effects, just Rod and his music. His success there lastr fall helped close this deal. The production adds another bilg success to the list of AEG Live presentations. Rod is now part of the rotation along with Celine Dion and Elton John. What a trio!

The Riviera Hotel Casino is bringing classic headliners back to the Strip with the opening of The Starlite Theater (formerly La Cage Theater) on May 25. Opening for 3 weeks will be the iconic Rich Little. Following Rich will be, among others, Mary Wilson, Connie Stevens with John Byner, and David Brenner. The Riviera hopes to provide customers with a nostalgic atmosphere of the Vegas of years gone by.

The American"Royal Wedding" was a three-day affair for Steve and Andrea Wynn. Hopefully, there was a pre-nuptial. the beautiful people from all walks of life were invited, among them, Garth Brooks and wife Trisha Yearwood, Lionel Richie, and best man Clint Eastwood. How great it
would be if Lionel Richie would alternate with Garth Brooks at The Wynn Theater. Quite the ineup, I think.

I had a long telephone conversation with Steve Wyrick, who wasvery candid about making a full comeback at a major property, possibly the LV Hilton. You have to hand it to Steve, he's like the Energizer bunny. I marvel at this young artist and I am a fan.

For those of you keeping up with the travels of yours truly, we've chosen May 22 as the Annual 70th Birthday Bash, the White Ball Party. I'll be performing weddings and exorcisms for a gathering of friends and supporters and some of the people I love.

Spent most of the daylight hours this week shooting scenes for my docudrama "What's The Point?"

This week Monti and his entourage went to Caesars Colosseum to see the Puerto Rican wonder boy, Ricky Martin. He didn't disappoint and the audience loved the staging, the dancers and the videos. Even though the show was more than an hour late starting, the audience didn't seem to mind and became part of their own show. Ricky is now off to New York City to make his Broadway debut.

The Senoras of Excellence and Senores of Distinction Awards Gala was held last week. Unfortunately, my schedule was such that I wasn't able to attend but I was delighted to hear Mayor Oscar Goodman received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the cocktail party, while the balance of awards were handed out at the Gala. It all benefits The Latin Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation Scholarship Fund.

At the Mirage, Steve Martin and his Steep Canyon music makers brought down the house. It's great to see Steve Martin on stage again. The Mirage had a full house, and it was funny, funny, funny and the bluegrass music was embraced.

My friend Paige O'Hara has returned from Seattle where she was doing her Judy Garland tribute. She'll return to the Luxor for her starring role in Menopause the Musical but hopes to bring the Judy Garland show to Vegas in the future.

Another long time acquaintance and sometime friend, Aretha Franklin, was on ABC's The View. Sounded as though her voice was intact, and she looked good after losing more than 80 pounds.

Tickets went on sale May 7 for Tony Bennett's appearance at Palms' Pearl on July 24. Musicians and artists from all genres have nothing but praise for this gentleman. What a career! Contact the Pearl Box Office @ (702) 944-3200 or www.ticketmaster.com. Tony Bennett tickets go fast.

The Palms also announced they have opened a Slot Emporium as part of their casino action in the gaming area. This section is dedicated to those who enjoy becoming mesmerized by the twirling slots and ringing bells and hopefully the sound of silver falling into their virtual pockets. Special gift items for the players at Slot Emporium are part of the action. This may be a new trend since there are so many creative slot machines on the casino floors these days.

Congratuations go out to Whoopi Goldberg as well as Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon. Whoopi's Broadway production, Sister Act, received five Tony nominations and Mariah and Nick welcomed the arrival of healthy twins.

Tiger Woods, in town for his "Tiger Jam" benefit, was also back at the tables - and tweeting about it. Some reports have it that he lost quite a bit while others claim he was a winner. In any case, Tiger, put a lid on it and get back to concentrating on your golf.

Charlie Sheen reportedly has added Vancouver B.C. to his "bomb" list. Charlie started late and finished lame, according to the Vancouver Sun. His nightclub hosting stint at Chateau in Paris Las Vegas was not exactly a hit either, as a very small crowd gathered to see him on the red carpet. He then proceeded to badmouth the hotel. Just another in the long list of Charlie's no-nos.

Do we have too many comedy clubs in the valley? Big Al's at the Orleans is one of the new comedy rooms in town. The Crown Comedy Jam at The Rio is another relatively new operation. These off-strip locations need something special to survive and I'm not sure if the current list of comics and comic wanna-be's can consistently draw enough to keep these clubs open. Let's hope so--we all need a good laugh these days.

Summerlin is the home of a new restaurant, Hotel California Restaurant and Cantina in Boca Park. This is a novel concept of indoor and outdoor dining. The cuisine being what I call Cal/Mex, and the food is tasty as well as spicy. Atmosphere and ambiance are great. The management of this undertaking have been instrumental in the formation of Create a Change Now, whose mission is to change the ways families eat by educating and empowering children to participate in the process of making healthier food choices. Please visit www.createachangenow.org For phone 702-303-5506 for more information about this worthy program.

George Wallace is doing it again. Beginning May 10 through the end of May, George is giving away free tickets for his show at the Flamingo to military personnel, dependents, and retirees upon presentation of military ID cards. This man is something else--as he is always giving to worthy causes. Military appreciation is so important as our men and women need and deserve our support for the service they perform for our country.

Please direct all blog-related correspondence to: montirock3@montirock.us
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MONTI-LICIOUS 5/4/11

The Monti Rock Annual 70th Birthday Party date has been chosen, May 22, 2011.

Sponsors for this fabulous event include Roxanne Miller, Terese DiMartino, Paige O'Hara and Mimi Hines. The ladies do love me! Company sponsors include Levi's Bagels & Deli, Great Buns Bakery and English Garden Florist.

I'll be performing weddings, exorcisms and shooting my docudrama, "What's The Point?" which allows the world to see the work in progress for Monti Rock and his brand.

This week was one of those weeks where there was so much fun shooting the docudrama and doing sound bites of my life as the legendary Monti Rock. A lot of laughs and a lot of memories.

Of course the big news around the world this week was the demise of Osama Bin Laden. Enough already! There's still work to be done. Our praise goes to those brave souls in American uniforms. Now let's move on.

My friend David Cassidy was at the Orleans Showroom this week. Hopefully David will have an important announcement before too long. Las Vegas loves Mr. Cassidy and we want to see his genius return to the stage on a more permanent basis. Could it be a new show is in the making?

I believe in the "social network" and continue to search for that one great new agent. Plus.... looking for more clients and specifically a jewelry company (I do so love my own jewels) and an automobile dealer.

For those readers still interested in my recording deal.... it keeps on going.

The White Theme for my Annual 70th Birthday Party continues. Guests are invited to wear their beautiful summer whites and join the celebration of fun, music and become part of the life and times of Monti Rock III. Stay tuned.
Please direct all blog related correspondence to: montirock3@montirock.us
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