
Monti's September 2009 Blogs
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| MONTI -LICIOUS SEPT 27 , 2009
Bob Stupak, "the ultimate Las Vegan" died Friday, Sept 25., after a long battle with lukemia. His resume includes the building of The Statosphere, a relationship with Phyllis McGuire, TV appearances, and, well, you name it, and he most likely did it. He was a one-of-a-kind personality and it will be a long time, if ever, that there will be someone quite like him. This week also marked the passing of Elliot Krane. Elliot was a producer of the hit childrens' TV show, Romper Room and wrote several columns as a restaurant criltic. His restaurant column in the Las Vegas Sun became the first in a local daily paper .His Vegas Wire column ran for 23 years in Atlanic City. His Dining Out in Las Vegas column was another popular hit of his. So long great man, we will miss you. A couple of heavy announcements were made last week, well actually it was three announcements or maybe even four. Of course everyone had been anticipating news from Wayne Newton's camp and we weren't disappointed. After all, Wayne Newton is the last of the vintage Vegas icons. He began his Las Vegas career in 1955 and fast became a staple of what Las Vegas was along with such entertainers as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and the rest of the Rat Pack. Wayne Newton remains part of the landscape and legacy of Las Vegas. CineVegas has decided pass on 2010. Hopefully, the film festival will resume in 2011, that is if there is enough of an improvement in the economy. Festival owners Daniel and Robin Greenspun feel that rather than reduce the level of quality , they will put the event on hold. I was happy to hear that after Frank Marino's showcase at the Imperial Palace he has signed a contract for his Diva show. Frank has to be happy that after 25 years of performing he's landed on his feet. The show will include Jimmy Emmerson and Larry Edwards, divas all. Only one small advice to the divas, put some comedy in the show. We love you but we all need some comedy. Both Frank and Adam Steck will produce the show. Opening dates will be announced next week. I have great regard for Frank and he's always been very generous with Monti. He keeps me informed and has always treated me with the utmost respect. Everyone is looking forward to Frank's continued success. One of our favorite singers, Denise Clemente, will be appearing at The Starbright Theater on Oct 3 in "High Style Cabaret". Denise has built quite a fan base here in Las Vegas---she CAN sing Las Vegas resident Marcel Forestieri appeared on the opening of the new Jay Leno Show. This Jay Leno look-a-like has made a career of impersonating celebrities for many years. He is a genius at creating theatrical make-up and has also done Broadway and voice overs for commercials. Yours truly, Monti Rock3, will be bringing back Disco Tex when he appears in the 2009 edition of Disco Ball at The Taj Mahal Hotel, Atlantic City, on Nov 14th. Maybe I'll see some of you there. Rev Monti, as always withes all of you a great week. |
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MONTI-LICIOUS SEPT 19, 2009 JUST IN------Wayne Newton is back, this time at The Tropicana. where a lavish new show starring Wayne will be opening in mid-October. Incidentally, Wayne is the only entertainer who has worked the Strip for 50 consecutive years, and now he will be appearing at 'the Tropicana, which has also been on the Strip for 50+ years. The formal announcement from The Tropicana comes on Wed, Sept 23 at a press conference. Of course we will keep you informed. After years of writing columns, I can only ask the question, "What validates this columnist?" I discovered last week, following what were surreal moments, that my celebrity and my legacy are rolled into one. Case in point: Media night at the Hilton for Cheap Trick in Sgt. Pepper Live was an A+. From columnists and authors Norm Clark to Jerry Fink - they were there. Guest stars for the evening were at the top of their game, too.The staging, the arrangements, all took me back to the time when music was really music. The combination of a small rock group backed by a full orchestra is fabulous and gives us the opportunity to hear live music at its best. The band is as good today as it has been in the last 30 years.They are one of those bands that you have to go and see. Cheap Trick at the Hilton is not to be missed. Rick White and Ira David Sternberg from the Hilton sent word that the musicians and Robin, the lead singer of Cheap Trick, wanted to see me back stage. They welcomed me with open arms and told me how wonderful it was when we first met in the early '70s when yours truly starred as Disco Tex with the Sex-O-Lettes. We all had a great time reminiscing about the "old days" and how we had all arrived in Las Vegas to meet again. As if that wasn't enough, while Rick was introducing the full house to the band and all the technicians involved in the production, he took time to acknowledge Monti Rock and tell the audience he had met me in 1912. Looking back, maybe it just seemed like 1912. In show business we call this a "shout out." Thanks to Rick and all the gang. Enjoy your Hilton extravaganza. For me, this was an eventful evening but the week had barely begun. On Tuesday, I sat for an interview with a representative of cable television's A&E channel. It's another documentary on Saturday Night Fever. This was a different kind of interview because A&E is telling the story of the movie's ensemble cast as the film continues to be rated as one of the all-time greats. It has also become one of the top cult films and can be seen on TV frequently. Cher is back at the Colosseum through Oct 11, then takes a break and will be back again through December. Once again, she is sell-out. Her new Bob Mackie costumes are, as usual, fantastic. During our conversation, I mentioned Vito Bruno, who is the producer for Disco Ball and who owns the actual dance floor from the Odyssey Club in Brooklyn that was used in Saturday Night Fever. And, of course, I believe I mentioned there will be another edition of Disco Ball in November in Atlantic City where I will once again reprise my roll as Disco Tex in Get Dancin'. My cup runneth over! It's good to be the Full Monti. I had a long telephone chat with Charo, who was in a hospital in Beverly Hills. Ouch! During the Jerry Lewis Telethon at The Southpoint ,she severely injured her ankle and tore some ligaments. Could take as long as three months for her to recover. Just as her show at the Riviera was catching on, this had to happen. Let me say right now that other reporters jumped the gun when they said she closed her show due to small audiences. I have the real info. Some reporters should check their facts before writing such nonsense. You KNOW who you are. People are asking about the status of Planet Hollywood. Will it become part of the Harrah's group? All indications say yes, as Harrah's has purchased a huge portion of their debts.. For months, I've been talking about Planet Hollywood being built over an Indian burial ground. Robert Earl, president, has tried to bring the Hollywood flavor to Planet Hollywood but things are not the same in this economy. Jerry Mitchell's creation, Peepshow with Holly Madison at Planet Hollywood, is doing an admiral job but let's face it - Vegas is Vegas. t's not New York and it's not theater country. However, they did sign Holly to another year, so they are optimistic. The only comments I could get from anyone at the Hilton regarding Earl Turner's departure in Voices was simply, "He's gone." Sounds as if Lani Misalucha, the other half of Voices, has her own show. Not to worry, this girl can handle it. There was drama at the Luxor last week when Paige O'Hara, one of the stars of Menopause the Musical, injured herself and the understudy couldn't go on. Fortunately, a standby understudy from Reno came in at the last minue and did an incredible job. As we all know, the show must go on! Like so many, I was glued to the television watching Oprah's interview of Whitney Houston. First of all, I loved Whitney's hair. It was a great look. Her highly anticipated CD came in at No. 1, yatta, yatta, yatta...... talk, talk, talk. It's interesting when you're away but you still have a fan base. We all want to see Whitney do well, but I wasn't buying the whole thing. Being an alcoholic myself , I know it takes a lot of work to walk the walk - not just talk the talk. It remains to be seen if the singer really has a handle on things. I love you Whitney, but let's have less gabbing and more singing. Mariah Carey was a smash at Pearl at the Palms. Can a residency be in the works? Let's hope so. Hubby Nick Cannon was busy as emcee for the finals of America's Got Talent and seems to be getting better at it. Wasn't he a rap artist? I could be wrong. I can't help but offer my critique on television's new Jay Leno Show, or should I say the old Tonight Show. The only things that have changed are the time slot and Jay's hairdo. The show also has a new set but it's the same old theme. Not even the great Robin Williams or Tom Cruise, slong with Cameron Diaz , could get the show moving. Maybe Jay should take a few years off to recharge and reinvent himself. Ho hum... Television has produced a new favorite of mine though. It's the Wendy Williams show. I like this crazy woman. It's a total train wreck and it's the way I would do a television show - without a script. I just like you, Wendy Williams, so don't change a thing! Of course, I have to address the Kanye West fiasco at the VMAs. Let's all give it a rest. It's not going to hurt his career, believe me. Maybe Kanye should produce one of Taylor Swifts albums and donate his earnings to charity. Rumor has it that Paula Abdul is suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome and is kicking herself in the head for not taking the millions offered by American Idol producers. Not sure if that's quite true because her recent appearance on one of television's newest hits, Drop Dead Diva, was absolutely delicious. Given the right venue this girl could be a tremendous hit. My charity event at Frediani's in Henderson was a success,. thanks to all the guests and contributors. We really appreciated the efforts of Mimi Hines, Terese DiMartino. and all my friends at Great Buns Bakery. To those of you who didn.t join us, a very special "Thank You". The Rev. Monti wishes you all a fabulous week! |
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MONTI -LICIOUS SEPT 12, 2009 This just in... It was just announced Ellen Degeneres will replace Paula Abdul as an American Idol judge. Not a good match, but that's just my opinion. I like Ellen and I like her afternoon show but after all, she's a comedian, however she will be providing the fans approach. While Paula looks for new venues I still feel she may return to Idol. Don't hold me to her return but I feel she's the perfect fit. Trouble in "tribute land". Sandy Hackett, son of comedy giant Buddy Hackett, has been dropped from "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy , Joey, and Dean. Hackett, who has been playing Joey Bishop, is the registered owner of the manuscript, also wrote much of the dialogue. Co-producers Dick Feeney and Arthur Petri have received a cease-and-desist order and now the "fun "begins. More to follow as reports come in. Trouble in "tribute land". Sandy Hackett, son of comedian Buddy Hackett, has been dropped from "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy , Joey, and Dean Hackett, who has been playing Joey Bishop, is the registered owner of the manuscript, also wrote the dialogue. Co-producers Dick Feeney and Arthur Petri have a received a cease-and-desist order and now the "fun "begins. More to follow as reports come in. A reminder to all: The Rev Monti Rock3 Charity Event is on Thurs., Sept17th. For more information please call 702 755-33628 or 702-924-2606 Hope to see you there, and to everyone, have a great week!
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MONTI - LICIOUS SEPT 5 200 There was great anticipation last week surrounding the return of Whitney Houston who appeare, in her first TV performance in 7 years< on Good Morning America. Right off the get-go I am coming to her defense as a singer and entertainer. Her early morning appearance on GMA which followed several interviews that/ together with singing outside would likely cause any voice to become raspy. Without question, Whitney's back! Speaking of The Hilton, thay are bringing back Football Central beginning Sunday, Sept 13. This program offers free admission toThe Hilton Theater. Food and drink specials are available and there will be give-a-ways. This and eleven giant TV screens make for great "football Sundays". A new "gentleman's club" has just opened on Russell Road. It's the Playround and is promoting rock 'n roll music in the lounge along with lots of sexy girls. According to my invitation it's billed as Las Vegas" 1st Nightlife Complex. Ahem! Once again, remember that the benefit for yours truly, Monti Rock's 2 favorite charities, THRIFTY WAY and THE EMOPORIUM STORE, will be held at Fredianis Italian Restaurant in Henderson on Sept 17 at 6:30 pm This event is being sponsored by Lance and Eva Posners' Int'l Rock Star Academy. Please call 702-755-3628 for more information. The Rev Monti wishes each of you a great week. Contact me |
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Disco Tex and the Sexolettes (Sold 7,000,000 copies)
