MONTI - LICIOUS 10/29/11

I had a full week of events - radio, Internet and my growing list of Monti Rock blogs. The first piece of business was Sunday when I enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Harrah’s with Chris Holt and Bryan Bell, who delivered my manuscript of “Grifter with a Heart,” a book that has been in the works for three years. What Bryan Bell and his staff did was to put my life in order from the beginning to the middle to the end. Thank you.

Then it was off to the Palace Station for the opening of Pasta Cucina with the wonderful Lori Nelson, the marketing/public relations president who is always divine to us. The Station Casinos just emerged from bankruptcy and are doing a great job of marketing, especially for locals. Lori is so excited about how well the Las Vegas residents are reacting to the new ad campaign and the point system. I even got my Stations Boarding Pass. 

Downtown news is that the Lady Luck is being refurbished and to be renamed The Downtown Grand. Target date for the completion is spring 2013. When I first came to town, I saw Melinda, the first lady of magic, and Steve Wyrick there. A real surprise for me was Tony Pace at the Clarion Theatre. He’s coming back in December for two days and should not be missed. He has a marvelous voice, great stage presence, a great ear for impersonations and interacts well with the audience. It was an enjoyable evening and a family affair involving his wife at the door and his teenage son as majordomo of the backstage happenings. It was a well-paced, delightful evening and he should be working more often here in Vegas. I’m sure he will.

Talking about great shows. I went to the LV Philharmonic performance directed by Vince Falcone and featuring the voice of Bob Anderson. The music is a collection of the classics from "The Great American Songbook," made famous by Sinatra and his friends. What can I say about Bob Anderson that hasn’t been said before? Let’s say that he’s done over 200 national TV shows, he’s been in show business for several decades and in 2002 he was inducted into the LV Musicians Hall of Fame. He had 12 years in his own room at the Dunes. His voice is better than ever, his impressions are even more crisp and dead on. He deserves his own stage here in Las Vegas. Vince Falcone is undisputedly the best. He was also the musical director for Frank Sinatra and many other artists. Vince, I want you to conduct for Mr. Rock soon darling!

Talking about Mr. Rock, watch for Mondays with Monti where I will be presenting some of the great stars here in Vegas. Maybe I’m the new impresario. More to come about this new venture.

Have you been watching Dancing with the Stars? I think it should be “dancing with a bad, bad foot” for Nancy Grace is still there, Chaz is gone and now Cher is furious with Bruno because he implied that Chaz is fat and walks like a penguin. Cher has twittered that she’s gonna kick his @A* - and she will! Don’t get her mad at you. Also Maks took exception to the way Len Goodman, who’s been in the dance business for 50 years, critiqued his partner. The judges should sometimes weigh their choice of words, many times causing the performers to say things in anger that are often quite true.

And now to the X Factor. They’d better do something because they are losing viewers by the millions. Also, we learned that the death of Amy Winehouse was caused by alcohol abuse. She left $40 million to her parents - who were not helpful at all, in my opinion.

Bette Midler is selling all her costumes and Lady GaGa wants most of them. Perfect fit. Bette Midler’s Broadway production, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, is a smash hit.and shows us she is as good behind the scenes as she is up front. The costumes are unbelievable. We here in Las Vegas are also getting ready for the return of the fabulous diva, Celine.

Clint Holmes is "wowing" audiences at New York City's Carlyle Hotel with his Bobby Short Tribute.
Among the many celebrity fans seen at his show were Michael Douglas and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Talking about great returns, my dear friend David Filter, owner of English Garden Florists and florist to the stars has been ill. He’s getting better and we wish him a speedy recovery. We miss you, David.

On the phone with Jimmy Emerson of An Evening at La Cage. The show is working well, and is being well attended. Jimmy is also working on a project with me.

Frank Marino will be making a guest appearance on Bravo TV networks' Millionaire Matchmaker on Nov 7 at 10;:00pm. Hmmm!

At the Bob Anderson concert, we saw Vera Goulet looking quite lovely and the irrepressible Pia Zadora, who is making an impressive comeback. The Village People are coming to the Riviera and are not to be missed. YMCA!!!! Have we all been watching the Michael Jackson trial? Yadda, Yadda, Yadda!!! Those Jacksons.

President Obama was in town to unveil his solutions to the foreclosure situation and how to help college students out of their monumental debt upon graduation. I was dismayed at the snubbing the President received as he arrived here and only Her Honor, Mayor Carolyn Goodman, showed up to be on the tarmac. Where was Oscar? Where were other dignitaries? I was there, but nobody noticed. It could have been that veil I was wearing. But President Obama has a job to do and the absence of local dignitaries was in poor taste.

Nico Sarducci has a new line of Italian sauces utilizing "Capone Family Secret" recipes. This has been under wraps for many years because of legal issues and he finally bought the rights and will be releasing the secret. Watch out Victoria !!

Some of our top casinos are offering special discounts and programs to our military personnel on Veteran's Day. Check with Caesars and Boyd Hotel/Casinos for the specials being offered. Military ID is required. Once again, let's be sure to remember to honor our military on this solemn holiday.

The Cosmopolitan Hotel/Casino has snared Stevie Wonder to bring in the New Year. His New Year's Eve show can also be seen on the gigantic outdoor screen on the Strip.

With the flu season coming upon us, be sure to stock up on your Pine Bros. throat drops. They are the tastiest way to soothe your dry sore throat issues.

Please direct all blog related correspondence to: montirock3@montirock.us
******************************
MONTI - LICIOUS 10/23/11

I want to tell you how important this week was in Las Vegas beginning with the presidential candidates debate at the Venetian. Romney, Perry and Cain were so sweet together - not! You need to get your stories straight, guys. The economy is not going to get any better soon, unemployment at an all-time high, the foreclosures are the worst, so it is about greed. There was so much greed involved. But the very fabulous, handsome Anderson Cooper stole the show. He was the moderator and the central focus of the debate and we love him.

Bob Anderson was back in Las Vegas last weekend peforming with the Las Vegas Phiharmonic at UNLV. What a show, what an orchestra, what a performance! This was a tribute to Frank Sinatra and the "Great American Song Book". Bob, backed by the great Vince Falcone conducting the orchestra, was in exceptional form and singing songs with "lyrics". That's a rarity in this day and age of mostly thumping percussion. Unfortunately there are only a few talented entertainers like Bob, who should be in Las Vegas more often.

I went to see the legendary, iconic Mitzi Gaynor and decided to see the show over and over and over, (that was on each of the three nights she appeared). This wonderful lady belongs on Broadway in a one-woman show. This is a total theater piece starring a lady who was part of Hollywood folklore history. She talks about many things, shows film and video clips, as well as telling us about such show business greats like Howard Hughes, Marilyn Monroe, Vera Ellen, Gene Kelly and Ethel Merman. What I loved about this show is her humor, her presentation and her professionalism. She made seven costume changes and at 81-years-old, I bow to her amazing energy. For those of you who missed Mitzi at the Orleans, how sad!!

We are still waiting for the Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour show by Cirque du Soleil at the Mandalay Bay. This promises to be an extravaganza. The trial of Dr. Murray is also a circus. With the attendant brouhaha of the media and the Jackson clan and Nancy Grace's nightly yadda, yadda, yadda – one does get bored. Let the poor man rest in peace.

Have you been watching Simon Cowell’s The X Factor? The jury is still out but if you want my opinion as the 13th juror, I vote that the jury is still out. The handsome host from England is no Ryan Seacrest. In fact, I wondered initially where’s Ryan? How come you didn’t bring him along? The new guy may bring us in one day. The jury is still out on that one, too.

Minnie Madden, whom I love and adore, has a new radio show called Vegas Beast. Minnie, who used to own Call Back magazine, is a choreographer/director of ice shows. I’ll be on her show next week. For more information you may email her at minniemadden@aol.com

We are all getting ready for Thanksgiving and my pal Jody Vialy is giving a wonderful dinner at Paris Eiffel Tower Restaurant. Can’t wait! She’s a very good friend of Rosalind Kind, Barbra Streisand’s younger sister. "Rozzie," as her friends call her, can also sing with that perfect voice of hers. There must be something in the genes.

For weeks and weeks I have been talking about the Steve Wyrick saga at the Hilton. It all comes down to financing and keeping something of your reputation intact. This is a small town, Steve, and your workers must be paid. Talking about the Hilton, Greg London is doing great business, breaking more than even. And he’s one of the nicest people in show business.

Have you been watching the A List on the Logo Channel? This is my guilty pleasure. Have you been watching Rosie O’Donnell on OWN? I guess not. Last week, Studio 54 was reborn in NYC with a one-night-only event featuring Donald Trump and a bunch of people who wanted to reminisce about my old watering hole. Studio 54 was "the place to be" at the height of the disco era. To look back and remember that I was part of this fabulous era – Disco Tex and his Sexolettes, the great Bob Crewe, Saturday Night Fever premiere, Michael Jackson as a young sculpted youth. Oh, to be beautiful again!! We can’t go back.

How about Lindsay Lohan’s revocation of probation and being carted off to jail in handcuffs? The bail was $100K, which she made. This is the loss of a great talent who could have been a true triple threat. But she can’t seem to walk the straight line. How about Jennifer Lopez and Bradley Cooper? You’re robbing the cradle, darling, but I guess I taught you well.

The other news about Dancing With the Stars – Chaz Bono stays but Carson got booted off – like he should have been.

Let's talk about the Tropicana, one of my favorite properties in Vegas. What ever happened to Jay Bloom and the Mob Experience? I still love the ambiance of Nikki Beach and I love the hotel’s decor and renovations.What about Steve Wynn and Sheldon Adelson ( it seems they have buried their feud) two of the richest moguls in Las Vegas, reportedly taking all of their new projects to Macau? How about the "buy American" theory? They are building casinos in the Far East. Now, our Asian patrons don’t have to come to Las Vegas, they can almost walk to their casinos, which means a loss of revenue for Vegas just as their pockets grow deeper and heavier. Not fair!

Last week at South Point, the Michaelina Bellamy benefit was well-attended, but there’s always a lot of drama. This lady could sing with the best of them, but is now valiantly fighting bone cancer. Her medical expenses are astronomical and about $10,000 was collected. For more info, please call the Lions Health First Foundation-The Michaelina Fund at 702-739-6552.

My team and I had a power lunch at Tropical Breeze restaurant in the Flamingo. Kelly Perine, son of Jim and Rose Perine, and Hollywood up-and-coming mogul discussed my one-man show and other projects. If you want just about the best Reuben sandwich in town, Flamingo's Tropical Breeze is a must for you to consider. My teeth are still tingling!

One of the shows that I loved and wrote about as something new, Absinthe, has new life. It will be breathing again on Las Vegas Boulevard in front of Caesar’s. Ain’t nothing like resuscitation. A new contract and an upgraded tented area will enable them to perform year round.

Sad news never seems to cease. Case in point; Sue Mengers, one of the smartest agents and much-loved friend of the show business world, passed away on Oct. 15. In her day she represented Barbra Streisand, Candice Bergen, Michael Caine, just to name a few. Sue, we will miss you.


For your Christmas shopping pleasure, you might want to consider the auction at McManus Auctions at 441 Eastgate in Henderson. If you want to shop for the best bargains with unique items in a new environment, this is a really good deal.

We have a lot to be thankful for as we prepare for Thanksgiving, once the goblins disappear. To my readers, I wish you the very best for the holiday season.

Please refer any blog related correspondence to: montirock3@montirock.us

**********************
MONTI - LICIOUS 10/14/11

This last week has been full of events and surprising announcements. The wonderful Thomas McCarthy, CEO and President of the Tropicana, is leaving October 31. He is one of the titans. One of the gentlemen of Las Vegas who I know is going on to bigger and better things. Brad Garrett is jumping ship and going to MGM. He's reportedly designing his own room and is scheduled to open there in March 2012. after closing at the Tropicana in January. We also know that in 10 days there will be an announcement about Nikki Beach.

I had dinner last Tuesday at Bacio, located at the Tropicana. Owner Carla Pellegrino, formerly at Raos at Caesars Palace, was divine. If anyone belongs on a reality show, it’s Carla. who is bigger than life. Our dinner was a moment to relish as I shared it with my partner. In addition to the regular menu, there is a prefix dinner offered daily from 5 p.m.to 6:30 p.m. Twenty percent of dining proceeds from this menu will be donated to the Susan G. Koman Foundation for the Cure. We were talking about my new radio show, Monti Rock, the Show With No Reason, where I discuss the fabric of Las Vegas from food to entertainment to coming attractions. It's a humorous segment and can be found at KSHP, 1400 AM hosted by Fran Sullivan.

Also in the news, my friend Eric “Travis” Wilson is opening in a new show, "The Cowboy Mashup Music Show” on Saturday, November 5 at the Onyx Theatre at 953 E. Sahara at 10 p.m. The versatile artist and musician sings Lady Gaga, Willie Nelson, Tupac, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley and more. It is scheduled to be a mixture of pop, rock, hip-hop, reggae, salsa and it's all done country style.

One of the most surprising and fine evenings I’ve had in a long time was with Sir Elton John. His “Million Dollar Piano” show is a million dollar act. He shows his versatility, musicality and his great sense of humor. He’s not only a great musician and composer, but he also does so much for AFAN. His musical tribute to Liz Taylor brought me to tears. The song is called Blue Eyes and is a beautifully emotional homage to Dame Elizabeth Taylor. We should all be remembered so fondly.

Speaking of AFAN, they are having their 3rd Annual Evening of Cabaret on October 26 at Palms Casino. Headlining will be Lainie Kazan. We all know Lainie from films, TV, Broadway as well as a legendary cabaret star. AFAN has been doing phenomenal work for children and adults living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada.

I was also able to catch the incomparable Liza (with a Z) Minnelli at the Hilton. What can we say about her that is positive. My mother once told me that “if you don’t have something nice to say about someone, SHUT UP!” All I can say about Liza is that she is a great entertainer, although the voice is not all there, and knee surgery and hip replacement have limited her dancing. We know about her marriages and her drugs and I think she should talk more and let us know how she survived all these tragedies in her life. Oh, I think I’m talking about my act!! ,which soon will appear in a venue in Vegas, “An Evening with Monti Rock, III” where I’ll discuss my marriages, my divorces, my hasty trysts and drugs, my power of seduction, alcohol and murder. And it’s a musical!

Then it was off to South Point to see my friend Tony Orlando (without Dawn). Audience members included Lorraine Hunt, Dennis Bono and Sammy Shore. Tony has been talking to me about my own reality show, which raises the question: “What’s real about Monti Rock?” except that “He’s alive, he’s alive!"

Congratulations to Frank Marino. He just celebrated his second-year anniversary at Imperial Palace. This is a spectacular show with exquisite costumes, fabulous impersonators and choreography that is second to none. The Frank Marino Dancers bring just the right touch to fabulous, fabulous acts. The stars of the show - Madonna, Shirley Bassey, Beyonce, Bette Midler, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton and others - is a tribute to the genius that is Divas. My favorite is Larry Edwards who does Beyonce and Tina Turner. You go Larry!!!

Have we all been watching Dancing With the Stars? Cher made her appearance to support her son (the one who had the operation). She had tears in her eyes and admitted that it was very hard for her in the beginning to support her son’s drastic life-changing surgery, but now we have to say that as a mother giving her support, she truly is a diva. Our hat’s off to you, Cher, and to you, Chaz, for your perseverance and dedication.

This week Rosie O’Donnell premiered her new show on the OWN network. Her first guest was Russell Brand, who is married to Katy Perry. I don’t get him and I don’t get her! I also watched Oprah Winfrey’s new show Master Class where she dispenses life lessons from her $1 billion perch. People, including me, are starting a similar protest movement that began on Wall Street. It’s like the French Revolution! So I’m starting now to get involved and start my own protest against greed. This will grow and grow because people are tired of unemployment, foreclosures, homelessness, no health care and need I say, “the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.” People need to stop voting against their own best interests. This is just the beginning. We never thought we’d see it here. Kanye West went to protest with a $20,000 shirt and diamonds. His wardrobe, consisting of some women's clothes and accessories, is the new look of today's hip-hoppers. Take it off, take it all off and give it to the poor. That’s how you protest.

Albertsons is uniting 5 of the largest non-profit organizations in Southern Nevada to help needy families in our city. The "Greater Las Vegas Together" event will take all donations of non-perishable foods, clothing and household items and redistribute them to local residents at need. Donations can be made at all Las Vegas area Albersons stores This takes place on Saturday, Oct 22. from 9:am to 5:00pm. For more information contact Lilia Rodriguez at 714-306-5408. This is a great idea and events like this should be conducted throughout the country. There are far too many needy families in our midst.

Downtown is now the place to be as openings, renovations and entertainment are on a steep rise. The Golden Nugget was just the beginning of the downtown hotel/casino comeback. The Plaza has reopened, Lady Luck and Golden Gate are upgrading, and Cortez also had a facelift. Fremont Street is a busy and fun place to be.

Sad News---Audrey Holmes, beloved mother of entertainer Clint Holmes, passed away on Wednesday October 12. She was a lovely and gracious lady and had a voice like angel. She always managed to stop the show when she came to enjoy Clint's appearances, by singing a few bars of George Gershwin's classic Summertime. For us that song has now taken on a new meaning. Our deepest sympathies go out to Clint and his family.

To all my blog readers, to the new audience in radio and television and webcasts, “it is good to be Monti Rock"!

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

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

MONTI-LICIOUS OCT 9, 2011

This week this columnist spent three days at the Global Gaming Expo at the Sands Convention Center, where the Monti Rock slot machine was presented to the gaming people who are checking it out now. I saw the Indian, European and other venues/casinos from around the worldand this Expo is a must for those in the gaming/entertainment business. My big surprise was seeing the wonderful Freda Payne of Band of Gold fame, and Dan Aykroyd cut the ribbon to the opening of the Expo on Saturday. Freda and I go back quite a few years. Why didn’t they call me? I was the one in the leopard outfit...and I carry my own scissors! Additionally, I ran into an Elvis impersonator called Ryan Pelton, who is managed by the Encore Entertainment Network. He was once a part of the John Stewart Legends in Concert and performed in Branson, Missouri, but is now looking for even larger audiences.

Other highlights: I want to thank Sal Richards and NYK Rapp Enterprises from Hallandale, Florida, who handle Rip Taylor, Patrick Cassidy, Maurice Hines, Hal Linden and many, many more. They welcomed this columnist and his entourage with open arms.

Rachel Uchitel, who was the Tiger Woods whistleblower and made hundreds of thousands of dollars by “blowing” the whistle, got married at The Little White Chapel to Matt Hahn, who we know as a football player and businessman. We wish them only the best. Not really!!!

Between the Expo, dinner parties and a late supper at the Bellagio with my old friend Frank Fiore who is the new creative director of the Hialeah Park in Florida, this has been a really full week. At the small dinner party was Mark Callas (Charlie Callas’ son), Vinnie Falcone, choreographer Papote Varet, Mimi Hines and an assortment of backers and other extraordinary people who talked to me about Hialeah Park Now and Forever. Exciting, exciting,…..stay tuned.

Also in the news, Amanda Knox after four years in an Italian prison was legally acquitted and from prison, hopped on a plane and is now trying to settle back home in Seattle. So…let the interviews begin, and I'm sure a book and/or movie is coming in the near future. She and her folks need the money to cover the tremendous cost of her defense.

Everyone in Las Vegas is talking about the Michael Jackson Immortal Tour extravaganza at Mandalay Bay in early December. The permanent Jackson/Cirque show is slated to open in the spring of 2013.

Let's not forget that Bob Anderson is appearing with the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra ay UNLV on Oct 22. With guest conductor Vince Falcone, Bob will be doing A Tribute To Sinatra and The Great American Songbook. This show is not to be missed. Our well wishes for a speedy recovery to Karen Anderson, Bob's lovely wife, who has been under the weather lately.

Mitzi Gaynor, the star of the of the classic movie South Pacific and one of the best nightclub performers in the business is opening at Orleans on the October 14. Her new show Razzle Dazzle! My Life Behind The Sequins is said to be a real knockout.

The screening of Kelly Perine's movie, A Perfect Day, was a big hit in Los Angeles with lots of prospects for viewership around the country. This short film will be entered in several film festivals and hopefully with become a welcome splinter in the eyes of the Academy. Kelly is the son of Las Vegas' own Jim and Rose Perine.

In the food category this week, Johnny Rodriguez, one of the great percussionists of the Tito Puente orchestra, and his wife Dolores joined us for dinner at the Queen Victoria Pub in the Riviera. The fish and chips were exceptional as was the the Shepherd’s pie. One of the best desserts that I’ve had in years is their apple/blackberry pie\

Enterainers, especailly singers, often "suffer' from what we call "Vegas throat" which is due to
the lack of humidity here in the Valley, A great way to help soothe the throat is to take that great old standby, Pine Bros softish throat drops. Many of us remember when these drops were the best selling and best tasting throat lozenges in the USA .They also did what the claimed to do, Many CVS stores carry them. If you don't find them in a favorite store where you shop, ask the store manager to stock them..

Have we all been watching The X Factor? It needs work, it needs tweaking. It needs a Ryan Seacrest type to anchor the show. The Playboy TV show was cancelled (I could have told you that) and the Pan Am show and Charlie's Angels are on a slow glide to cancellation as well. But I do love the Kathy Bates show, Harry’s Law. My friend is concerned that the premise upon which the show began is no longer operative and that means that some actors, among them the great Jean Smart, won’t have roles of a continuing nature. I must be concerned about that. Another top notch show which gets better each week is Prime Suspect starring Maria Bello.

It's hard to believe who gets axed and who remains on Dancing With The Stars. It's bad enough they don't use music that fits the dances, but it seems that a good fan base is more important then the talent. It sure has me turned off.

The wonderful Vera Goulet, widow of Robert Goulet, is doing Christmas cards featuring Robert and his musical contributions. We are excited about this special offering.

Zowie Bowie is now doing 2 niters at The M Resort so not only are they doing this but also Name That Tune,

We can still get our fill of Motown through Human Nature at the Imperial Palace, and Hitzville at the V Theater at Planet Holloywood. This is the music that sparks the heartbeat of America from the '60s and '70s.

A single players card is now in use at all Station locations. This new boarding pass card gives new holders many additional benefits including 3X points and even some free slot pay. Station Casinos continue to attract the locals with their many promotions.

Please direct any blog related replies to: montirock3@montirock.us

***************************
MONTI-LICIOUS OCT 2, 2011

So much has come into fruition this week from the Smith Center (tickets are on sale) to the brouhaha of the Nikki Beach fiasco. This is one of the most beautiful nightclubs and the opening was one of the most extraordinary ever. Halle Berry and other stars were there and it was exciting. The primary facility is in Miami and is very successful, but Vegas is not Miami. We are a different demographic and as such to make an ultra club work takes a different strategy. The pool area is magnificent, beautiful people, maybe even poor people. When you mix the rich and the poor,someone could get lucky but the possibility of a “medium” mixture makes for an uninteresting outing. I called the Food and Beverage manager, Tom Recine, and he told me The Tropicana Group is taking over the operation. I have many ideas for them and I’ll see them next week. As Joan Rivers would say, “Can we talk?” I love this hotel. I love the way they treat and support this columnist. So I'm 1000 percent behind their attempts to make this a profitable venture.

Over at the Hilton, Steve Wyrick and his magic show are on hiatus and it all comes down to finances. Do you have deep pockets? No, no, no. Are you even wearing pants with pockets? That's what it's going to take. Deep pockets with something in ‘em. Also in passing news is Floyd Mayweather, who is in trouble again over a parking space. Really?! What is that all about?

Lastly, I have been glued to my TV set watching the trial of Conrad Murray in the death of icon Michael Jackson. The whole Jackson clan - including LaToya who wrote all those nasty things about her brother - is now reaping all the rewards of their connection to the late superstar. Also to testify is Kenny Ortega, the choreographer of This Is It. I will say this only one more time: Michael Jackson had a drug problem. That does not take away from his talent, his genius or his impact. The greatest entertainer of the last century, if I remember correctly, wasn’t even speaking to his family at the time of his death. Now they are all blubbering as they continue to cash in on his demise two years later. But don't forget the Michael Jackson musical that is arriving at Mandalay Bay in December is the equivalent of an interactive Wonderland at this property. I can’t wait!!

Monti Rock and his entourage went to see Jimmy Emerson and the newest rendition of La Cage. Playing to an almost full house, the show takes on a few new twists and turns that make for a very interesting evening. Among the “tweaks” was the bracketing of the show with “I Put More Mascara on” to “I Am What I Am,” which is the rallying cry for all who are trying to make the determination of who we are and accepting ourselves within the context of today’s society. I may be working with Jimmy Emerson in an evening of “Monti Rock III – Stories my Mother Wouldn’t Want to Hear!”

I went over to Palazzo to see Jersey Boys again. Frankie Valli, who is a friend, really has a great story to tell. My drama is with Bob Crewe, who has been in my life as producer, writer, Svengali who created my records in the '70s and is really a part of the legacy of the iconic Monti Rock. For those of you who have not caught the show, I want to highly recommend it.

While at Four Queens I ran into Mike Hammer – a gentle, funny man. I will see his show next week and will do an article about him, his life, and his journey. Sir Elton John is also holding court at the Coloseum and doing big business. As we get ready to welcome Celine Dion back for the holidays, Elton promises to bring us a new and exciting show featuring a "million-dollar piano",this one named "Blossom" after one of his favorite jazz singers, Blossom Dearie, The piano is also fitted with an LED system so as to show visuals from the side of said piano. Elton does a touching tribute to Elizabeth Taylor , backed up by videos of the late, great beauty He borrowed the piano from me and when he’s done it goes back into my storage unit.

This week, the news centers on Wayne Newton’s “Graceland” - theater, chapel, entertainments. My spies tell me it is quite extraordinary. I can’t divulge my sources but some of the local acts will be performing at Wayne Newton Theatre on the complex.We are all holding our collectives breaths because he is our last living legend. Oh no, I thought it was me! How quickly they forget, my darlings.

How about the iHeart Radio Music Festival at the MGM Grand Arena last week? This was a two-night feature like no other with "more stars than there are in the heavens." Some of the highlights were Lady Gaga's dedication to the teen who recently committed suicide, and the "return" of Jennifer Lopez. Boy, she still does have "IT!" Nicki Minaj, Bruno Mars, Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keyes with Jay-Z also deserve honorable mention. Surprise guest Usher then stopped the show with his hit "Without You." iHeart Radio is the online radio service for Clear Channel, which delivers radio access to approximately 850 stations.

Simon Cowell has some work to do to make The X Factor the success he thought it would be. His debut show had only about 12.5 million viewers as competition is strong in that time slot. Prime Suspect is probably the best of this season's new dramas, thanks to the unbelievable Maria Bello as the character originally introduced to us by Helen Mirren in the PBS series And Harry's Law has returned with Jean Smart in the scene-stealing role of a D.A. who gets into nasty cat fights with Kathy Bates' crusading lawyer.

Ken Baker, aka Gaming Guru of Las Vegas, has just finished designing the soon-to-be-famous Monti Rock III video slot machine and will be presenting it to major manufacturers/distributors in the very near future. Ken Baker's creativity and ability to think outside the box will make this venture a huge success. Kudos to you, Ken

Important reminder----Buy pink pastries at Station's Grand Cafes during the month of October and 50% of proceeds will be donated toward the cure for breast cancer.

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

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

A Meal With Monti
By Monti Rock III