MONTI - LICIOUS NOV 25, 2011

Former mayor, Oscar Goodman, was taping 2 pilots at the Hilton for his new show Vegas Night Court with Oscar Goodman. It is produced by Wayne Jeffries who is the manager of Pawn Stars. He made a rousing entrance with Show Girls, head pieces and lovely bodies. Here we go Judge Judy!! While at the Hilton I had a great cup of coffee with Rick and Phyllis White who called me one of the “Legends of Las Vegas”. How about the Hilton being renamedLVH-Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Will this new name help or hinder "the house that Elvis built"?

The great Phil Cooper, Marketing/PR who was once the head of PR for Caesar’s Palace and Greenspun Media, and one of the first ones to open the door of Vegas to this columnist, is now part of the MGM family. Welcome home, Phil.

Talking about moving chairs and moving shows, Rick Thomas is opening at The Tropicana. He’s been successful there in the past and there was a big ballyhoo about his opening at the Riviera in the Versailles Room but rumor has it that he has parted company with the great John Stewart, famous for creating Legends in Concert. Dancing with the Stars did not let us down. I think they picked the right winner.

I was glued to the TV set for the American Music Awards and all the dueling Divas, and I mean dueling Divas. The outstanding performance was Jennifer Lopez with her new 22 year old boyfriend. At the after party she allegedly couldn’t keep her hands off him and they were a spectacle as she gave him a lap dance. Marc Anthony and Pit Bull were also there. . Mary J. Blige was brilliant and as for Christine Aguilerra, what’s up with that little dress? Justin Bieber also performed but personally I don’t have the fever? He took a paternity test , oh really, are they even swimming yet?

This busy week included a great luncheon with Bobby Townsend who is the development director for the Nevada Aids Project. Mark your calendars for December 1 at the Tropicana for the pre-show where I’ll be hosting the Red Carpet. "Life is a Ball : A World AIDS Day Event” with be a star-studded show full of entertainment. For more information about this event please visit www.nevadaaidsproject.org or call 702-538-0054.

This gay columnist has lost many friends from Halston to Peter Allen to Michael Bennett. They were among some of the great artists of our time, cut off by this horrendous disease. It is our responsibility do whatever is possible to support education, prevention and promoting better lifestyles. There are people I know who have successfully battled this disease for over 20 years, so it can be done. The problem is to bring awareness to affected persons and those behaving badly, and you know who you are, to become more responsible in their daily lives in order to make a positive imprint on the onlookers and observers. Educating our youth is a must in the fight for prevention.

What a wonderful Thanksgiving I had this year, as there is so much to be thankful for. Jody and Frank Vialy and their son , Alex came to spend Thanksgiving with me and to celebrate my life. They'are helping me plan my Christmas Party, (December 18), where everyone will be asked to write a eulogy, no more than 2 minutes long, about how they’ll miss 2011. Being interesting and fascinating is my job and no one does it better but even I get tired and this party will put to rest some of the tired old clichés that have been burdensome this past year.

Top of the World at the Stratosphere hosted a wonderful event with Anthony Curtis and Huntington Press, who publish the new 2012 edition of "Eating Las Vegas". Robin Leach was very much involved in the choice of food critics and in the way this book was put together. But the standout of the evening was a young performer named Frank Moreno, who is a very good looking, writer, singer,and showman .He is currently performing at the Stratosphere. And talking about the Stratosphere, my friend Tim Molyneux is rewriting and remarketing the show Bite which is beginning its 7th year there.

Norbert Aleman's production of 'Crazy Girls' at the Riviera is just about ready to celebrate its 25th anninversary. It hasn't always been easy to remain the third-longest running show on the Strip. Improvements include lighting and sound upgrades, new costumes, new wigs, and some new music.

We have just a few more days before the opening of the Michael Jackson Immortal Memorial Show at Mandalay Bay. Where are my tickets? If I have to buy them, I guess I will. Oh, baby sister, Janet, the talented one in the family now, was here in Vegas last Saturday at the Colosseum. But the queen of the Colosseum, who sells out every night, will be back soon taking her rightful place on the Colosseum throne and shows why this venue was built for her.

Madame Tussauds is offering locals half price tickets through the end of February. Tickets ae now on sale and a Nevada ID is required in order to take adavantage of the discount. Visit www.madametussauds.com/lasvegas for more information.

KJ Kitchen, a popular Las Vegas Chinese restaurant is opening a second location in mid December. The Rio is the new home of this fine restaurant which features fresh seafood and a great selection of dim sum. They will be featuring dim sum on the lunch menu daily. Guests will be able to make selections from table side carts.

It;s time for some changes to be made by retailers regarding the Black Friday mayhem. The hype these stores set up has caused too much violence and other crazy behavior. How about some sort of lottery situation so the public would have access to the promotional merhandise without having to join in any "crushes'. We hope these shoppers had their supply of Pine Bros Throat Lozenges to help soothe their throats from all the shouting and yelling trying to buy their bargains.

Please direct any blog related correspondence to; montirock3@montirock.us

MONTI-LICIOUS NOV 20, 2011

Controversy with the fight of the two champions with Pacquiao winning by a split decision. What does this columnist know about sports? Nothing, except that sometimes the experts get it wrong. There were lots of boos and hisses. Manny Pacquiao was the favorite and he wants a singing career. There’s a story here somewhere.Oh, by the way, Oscar de la Hoya, the Golden Boy, is reportedly being sued for $5 million for sexual harassment and wearing a dress. He might look bad in those tights, but is it worth $5 million? Have you been watching the Republican debates? Enough said!!

This week I had the most exciting breakfast with John and Shannon Bentham, of Ivory Star Productions. John has five shows running concurrently from Kevin Burke’s Defending the Cave Man to Laugh Out Loud to Marriage Can Be Murder. John just delivered the new Monti Rock T-shirts, thank you John and Shannon. John and I are talking about bringing The Fabulous Life of Monti Rock III to a theater near you in one of his venues. This is a one-man show that talks about who else? Me!! My life, my loves, my overall fabulousness.

Retraction! Retraction! Retraction! I had incorrectly reported that the cast of The Village People was mostly new performers. Actually, the group is made up of mostly ORIGINAL members. When you see their show, you're seeing the real thing.

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is now selling individual tickets for its inaugural season. Among the shows available are Broadway's The Color Purple, Mary Poppins and Memphis. Other shows include the Canadian Tenors and tap dancing star Savion Glover.

Legends in Concert at Harrah's will be offering a special line-up for the holiday season. This show features elaborate costumes, sets and special effects. With an ever-changing line-up, it is a must-see for both locals and visitors.

Tropicana headliners Recycled Percussion will be playing a 24-hour show beginning Tuesday November 24. A $10 donation or a new unwrapped toy will allow you to enter and enjoy the show. Proceeds and toys will benefit Toys for Tots. This is another way entertainers are giving their time and energy to help the needy.

For weeks we’ve been discussing Michael Jackson’s tribute show at Mandalay Bay. Tickets are selling swiftly so get yours now. Can you believe this is the last week for Regis Philbin? Who is going to take his place? Some say Jerry Seinfeld. He’s one of the richest men in show business. Does he fit the bill? I think I would be a better fit, but ain’t nobody asked me yet!!

What’s happening with Dancing with the Stars? It should be called dancing with the scars because folks get hurt and things get sprained and folks get tired and the beat goes on. Hope Solo is the latest to be booted off. Her professional partner Maks, as we all know, had a bit of a run-in with the judges, who often are unkind with their choice of words during their critiques.

The finals are coming and the X Factor is a No Factor. J-Lo has a new lover who is 15 years her junior and one of her back-up dancers. You Go, Girl! Latin Grammys were awarded last week at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. What elegance. These artists are a credit to all Latinos. Chakira got a special award, but for me the highlilght of the show was Marc Anthony with Pit Bull. These Grammies bring together the Latin community and Latin music and the statement is – they bring something extraordinary.

In the TV category here in Las Vegas we need an International Show starring Monti Rock, III! I want to be the Ed Sullivan of the new Las Vegas. Yes, we’re getting ready for our annual Christmas party. I want people to start writing eulogies because it is a “mourning” party for yours truly. We must put to rest this last year – recording deals going south, and reality shows come and go and all-in-all there’s lots to bury.

I did some great Christmas shopping at the auction this past week – a gentle reminder that McManus Auctions has a little something for everyone. Henderson comes alive every Sunday morning. Be sure to let them know that Monti sent you.

It's hard to believe that Palms Hotel/Casino is 10 years old. This place has been a favorite of the young and famous since its opening. Pearl, their concert venue, has seen some of the best of today's young entertainers do their thing, and many newsworthy happenings also occurred there.

Openings and Closings: Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace will bring 450 jobs to the Las Vegas market. The resorts sixth tower has 668 rooms and opens January 2, and offers a unique and private luxury experience. Studio 54, the "granddaddy" of the nightclub scene will be closing its doors at MGM Grand. A new club is reportedly almost ready to replace the 13-year-old club. Yours truly was a steady customer at the original Studio 54 in NYC and is saddened by its demise. Let's face it, this club was a major influence on today's nightlife.

Eric Travis premiered his "Cowboy Mashup Music Show" at the Alexis Park Resort last week. Eric played guitar, drums, banjo, and in piano in sync with musical tracks. He mixes many genres of music with a hint of a cowboy motif. Bottom line -a thoroughly entertaining show.

We are anxiously awaiting the December return of Celine Dion. She’s the queen of the Colosseum and we will be happy to see her "back home."

On December 4 Menopause the Musical will be celebrating its 2,500th performance at Luxor. Not only is it the longest-running theatrical production currently open, but it will soon begin its seventh season in Vegas.

Watch out for Loulou von Brochwitz, atomic fashion model and German TV reality star who lives in Vegas, is about to launch her new show. It is amazing the number of people who are choosing our town as their home base. Another celebrity who's moved here is Ken Norton, the champion boxer. The world is small because he went to college with a member of my staff who knows him very well.

We are saddened about what is happening at Penn State. It is a true sadness that so many lives are being disrupted by allegations and indictments. There is a difference between legal and moral responsibility, and when you are on a pedestal, not necessarily by your own choosing, you are held to a higher standard. We pay the price for the friends we have. Enough said.

With the flu season almost here, don't forget to keep some Pine Bros throat lozenges in your pocket or purse. Not lnly do the sooth your throat, but they're great tasting no matter which flavor you coose.

Happy Thanksgiving and hope your other holiday plans are developing. Spend lots because the economy needs it.

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

MONTI -LICIOUS NOV 11, 2011

This has been a full week. From the trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, being found guilty to an incredible evening with Criss Angel’s show Believe. The illusions were big and wonderful. He was gracious to this columnist, mentioning him at least three times during the performance. By the way, I’ve been added to the Wall of Fame within the Criss Angel Theatre. I’m Hot Stuff!!!

Then it was off to the memorial service for Clint Holmes' mother, Audrey. It was a wonderful turnout with a heartfelt service that did honor and homage to a very great lady.One of the standouts was Brenda Holmes, Clint's ex-wife, who looked absolutely divine and spoke of her 46 years of knowing Audrey. Then there were Frank Scinta and Steve Rossi, who should both be at every funeral for comedy relief. Audrey at 96 years old was at the center of Clint’s comments and he was so real as he remembered his mother. I sat next to Karen Lieberman, the late Frank Lieberman’s wife, Tina Walsh, Lorraine Hunt, Dennis Bono and Lance Burton. Lance told me that he had done 15,000 shows and that he's retired. As a side note, Melinda Saxe, the first lady of magic, is making a big comeback.

In this column, we’ve always addressed the hotels and the gaming industry. We know the Sahara is reportedly being refurbished. That would help the north end of the strip. We know that the Harmon is being knocked down and the Chinese want to buy parts from the shell of the unfinished Fontainbleau. The Hilton and Tropicana are two of the iconic hotels in Vegas. We cannot forget the Hilton for being the hotel that Elvis "built," and the Tropicana as the home of the Folies Bergere and Gladys Knight. So I am speaking as a columnist and an educated consumer when I say, "I love my Vegas! I love my readers. The Full Monti is read all over the world. I love the Elvis show, I love it, I love it so…get over it!"

Nevada still has the highest foreclosure rate in the nation with Las Vegas at No. 5. With the unemployment and homelessness - people are reportedly leaving the city in droves.

I went to see Mike Hammer at the 4 Queens and this man should be a star. Did we all watch Frank Marino on Million Dollar Matchmaker? What can I say? If you saw the show, he wanted the straight guy – so did I. What counts is good taste? In this piece, he said he was the biggest star in Vegas and his net worth is $8 million, but I thought I was the biggest star in Vegas and my worth is $20 million? If you believe that...!!!

Before the Criss Angel show, we had an informal dinner in the Pyramid Café in the Luxor. Their Classic Meatloaf reminds me of home – watching my mother mix the ingredients. This establishment has the best banana split in town and a delight to see and then devour. We also dined at the Tropical Breeze at the Flamingo, which is another of my favorites. Check out their Asian menu as some of these dishes are at least as good, if not better than popular Asian restaurants, and don't forget about their fabulous sandwiches.

We saw The O’Jays down at Primm at Buffalo Bill's. They were outstanding and did all of their classic hits. You should have seen the audience as the introductions to these iconic hits were played. At one point during the performance, Eddie Levert asked us to pause to remember Joe Frazier, who was in hospice at the time and not expected to live through the night. He died the next day. We remember him fondly because he brought another side of his talent to Vegas. Kudos to Floyd Mayweather, who has opted to pay the funeral expenses. This is not the first time Floyd has jumped in to help families in their time of need.

On a brighter note, we are all getting ready for Thanksgiving. Mr. Rock and his staff are also busy planning for our annual Christmas Party. - The White Party. It's theme is to become the“Fade to Black” party. Everyone is asked to wear black and it will be a good place to get rid of all that negativity and get ready for positive things happening in our lives. The party is being thrown at Roxanne Miller’s estate and there will be many surprises, music and food flown in from all over the world – some of it even fresh. Speaking of parties, Pine Bros. Throat Lozenges and Rider McDowell will be doing the "We're Back!" party in the very near future. If you don't already know it, Pine Bros. Throat Lozenges were the #1 throat and cough lozenge in the past and are back in a big way.

The Village People are once again performing at the Riviera. They take us back to the days of bell-bottoms, Afros, and men's platform shoes with the definitive beat of disco. The new cast of characters danced and gyrated their way across the stage and made us want to get up and dance. The only thing missing was a live band, although the tracks and sound system fueled an evening of classic disco sounds. A live percussion duo or trio
would help step up the beat.

Anita Mann's Fantasy Ladies are having a launch party for their 2012 Ultimate Fantasy Calendar on Saturday November 19 at LAX Nightclub at the Luxor. Ticket holders from the November 19 show will receive complimentary entry to LAX. These girls are gorgeous!

Menopause The Musical - Las Vegas' longest-running scripted show, will be celebrating its 2,500th performance on December 4. Seven years is quite an accomplishment, especially in Las Vegas. The Scintas will be doing their wonderful Christmas show at the Suncoast December 2-4. This is a great family show and should be on your shows-to-see list.

Last weekend also brought us Gary Sinise, of CSI: NY fame. He did a "meet and greet" at the MGM's "CSI: The Experience" on Friday and a performance with the Lt. Dan Band at the "A Salute to The Troops" show at the Mandalay Bay on Saturday. We cannot and should not forget our military, past and present, who give their all for our freedom and safety.

AFAN"S Annual Toy Drive for children affected by HIV/AIDS is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys now through December 9. For more info and donation locations, please contact AFAN at www.afanlv.org. How about helping to lift the spirits of these kids at Christmas time.

Eric "Travis" Wilson debuts his Cowboy Mashup Music Show at the Alexis Park hotel this Thursday, the 17th, at 7:00 pm. In this one-man show he sings Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas, Willie Nelson and Shania Twain, Tupac and MC Hammer, Led Zeppelin and Billy Idol. And Bob Marley. He plays guitar, banjo, drums and piano. Watch "Travis" nail down Country-Metal-Hip-Hop-Reggae-Salsa and somehow jam it all into one final song.

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

**************************

MONTI-LICIOUS NOV 6, 2011

The Kardashians, The Kardashians, The Kardashians. Kim, darling, you blew it. The Rev Monti, (yours truly), was about to perform a wedding with you as a centerpiece but can’t do that now because that would greatly jeopardize my credibility. Your soon to be ex-husband was to be paid big bucks for a personal appearance here in Vegas, but that was just cancelled.Why are we paying these reality TV people these humongous fees when it is clear that they are a business, a brand and nothing more. Thanks to Gaming Today and my readers, Mr. Rock is a brand and he’s a man?? Of course I am, I think.

Downtown, downtown. What can we say about downtown? Lady Luck has changed the name of the hotel to Downtown Grand but it doesn’t matter what they change it to, I loved it as Lady Luck. If you will remember, I was the star and spokesperson for Castaways, but I was imploded with all of that. The Plaza looks extraordinary. The rooms are gorgeous and the furnishing from the Fontainebleau are lovely in their new setting.

I keep saying that we now have the Golden Nugget, the jewel of downtown; Gordie Brown doing an incredible business – so handsome and so talented. We have the art district, First Fridays are back, we have the Beauty Bars and three new hotels to make downtown more attractive.

Blue Nun is now the New Nun. This week the news is that the Sahara may be refurbished and re-opened. Is it a renaissance, a recession, is the foreclosure problem getting better? What is happening with unemployment? I am protesting "No Talent in Vegas!" I have been watching the X Factor – it's a snore.

American Idol's Steven Tyler falling in the bathtub and breaking his teeth is his punishment for writing about me and how fabulous I was in his book. J-Lo, stop crying. Just go to the bank and cash a check. That should bring a smile to your face. Nikki Beach is doing OK and I love the way this property looks. I love the ambiance. Greg London is doing well at the Hilton.

Speaking of the Hilton, Charlie Wilson, El DeBarge and Damon Williams will be performing their Holiday Festival of Soul on November 25 & 26. Charlie is the legendary godfather of R&B and El DeBarage brings us romantic music as only he can sing it with his tender falsetto. And Damon Williams performs MC duties with his special brand of comedy.

How was everybody’s Halloween? The benefit sponsored by Andre Agassi, with a major donation from Kirk Kerkorian, means that they have what they need to keep the Academy on solid financial footing forever. My hat’s off to this tennis great and his wife Steffi Graf for what they do to educate the children of Las Vegas.

How about Justin Bieber and his paternity suit? He just gave $100K to one of the Las Vegas schools and he too will be making an impact on the education of our kids. His Christmas album comes out this week with all proceeds going to charity.

One of the big things I did this weekend was go to the Colosseum to see Jerry Springer and America’s Got Talent. The standout performance was the 11-year-old girl and the Australian Justin Beiber. They were awesome. Headliner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., who went from car washer to headlining in Vegas, was also a standout. But the most amazing group was The Silhouettes whose patriotic tribute was so inspirational that we were moved to tears. What a surprising show this turned out to be.

Glen Alai, the manager of Penn & Teller, letting us know that Penn may be doing the Celebrity Apprentice. All who got to see Clint Holmes at the Carlyle in New York say he was brilliant in his Bobby Short tribute. The memorial service for Clint's lovely mother Audrey, who died a few days short of her 96th birthday, was held last Saturday. Her wonderful voice has been silenced, but she left an indelible impression on us all and will be sorely missed. We always enjoyed seeing her at Clint’s performances still managing to hit all the right and high notes of "Summertime". Among the many paying respect were Frank Scinta, Earl Turner, Lorraine Hunt with Dennis Bono, and Lance Burton.

One of the great, great, magic people in Vegas is Johnny Thompson. He worked with Penn and Teller and Lance Burton. He’s the master, teaches the master class and is THE mentor to young magicians. I’m letting the cat out of the bag but he’s teaching me a few new tricks. And boy, do I need some new tricks!

This week, we are all going over to the Riviera to see The Village People. Their signature song, "YMCA", was one of many hits of the '70s along with Disco Tex (yours truly) and the Sex-O-Lettes smash "Get Dancing", which sold 7 million records. Am I boasting and self-absorbed? Read on, read on.

The Smith Center is opening in March 2012, and in someway I would like to be a part of all this. Give us a call!! I’m hosting and I’m boasting and you shouldn't miss out on all the joy I could bring.

I’m indebted to Jimmy Emerson of An Evening at La Cage for being a friend. We will work together soon. Stay tuned. Mondays with Monti – I love it. I love it. I love it.

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino has scheduled "The Michael Jackson Fan Fest" for December 3-14. This is a Las Vegas only presentation that showcases never-before-seen memorabilia and interactive fan experiences. Fan Fest gives people the opportunity to see Michael as a man, a performer and a legend. This event coincides with the Michael Jackson "The Immortal World Tour," which stops in Las Vegas in December.

The Pyramid Cafe at the Luxor once again proved to be a first-class spot for informal dining. The Reuben sandwich with turkey pastrami was exceptional as was arguably the best fish and chips in town. The mud pie dessert was absolutely perfect, and last but definitely not least, the service was impeccable.

Afan and Surj will be honoring World Aids Day , December 1, with a Candlelight Vigil at the AIDS Memorial Garden on the UNLV campus. This event is aimed at raising awareness to those affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada and also works in linking the countries of the world to increase education, and, one day, erradicate this fatal disease.

Buzz BBQ is hosting the Adopt A Pet Rescue Organization fundraiser on Nov 18th at its location at 9940 W Tropicana (702-489-2900) and on Nov 19 at 2:00am at its location at 7121 W Craig (702-294-2899). Buzz BBQ is giving back 25% to all non-profit organizations that have events in these 2 locations.

Nico Santucci has done it again with his newly acquired Capone Family Secret Sauce Recipe. A variety of mouthwatering sauces was introduced at a fabulous party at his palatial home. Each of the sauces has a distinctive taste all its own and stand out from any prepared pasta sauces. My personal favorite is the spicy blend. They are available at Capo's restaurants and/or www.caposfoods.com

The Rev. Monti once again wishes you all a great week. Contact Monti Rock III

*****************************

A Meal With Monti
By Monti Rock III