The Las Vegas Tenors - In the News!


October 6, 2006
"It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events
"
FREDDIE BELL & CLINT HOLMES CELEBRATE"
by Norm Johnson

 

It isn't often that this writer attends a birthday party, especially when the guy is older than me. But, then it's not everyday that a friend of some 30 plus years actually celebrates his birthday. Such was the case last Friday when the Bootlegger Bistro (you know the place owned by our Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt) assembled a bunch of Freddie Bell's old cronies and held a party.

I'm not going to tell you just how old Freddie is, but when he was born salt had just been discovered in India. How old is that? That's so old that Columbus was still trying to find the Americas. Enough of that. I could go on and on, but I'll quit while I'm ahead.
 

The Bootlegger is where Bell hangs his hat every Friday and Saturday night as he hosts the 10 p.m. till 2 a.m. gig, where entertainers from all over gather,( along with just plain old friends) and do a few minutes on the microphone. It's a great gig. The late Sonny King, who was a friend to all of us, originated the session about seven years ago (give or take a year or two). Freddie has been the perfect replacement.
Just being an emcee is not what the host does at the Bootlegger. No, gang, he entertains too. Bell, for those uninformed readers, has been working on the Las Vegas Strip for nearly 50 years. He worked all the big lounges from the Sahara to the Tropicana. One of his many claims to fame was and is that he recorded "Hound Dog" first and used it every night in his act at the Sands Hotel. A young singer used to drop in after his show at the Old Frontier and, one night asked Freddie if he could record it. Bell, of course, agreed and the rest is history. That recording became a huge hit for the man known as The King of Rock'n Roll, Elvis. Just a little trivia.
 

Anyhow, it was like old home week at the Bootlegger. Nancy and I were lucky to get a table, believe me. We were joined by show producer Marvin Lashever and his lady, Linda. The list of those who were in the audience or performed reads like a who's-who of Las Vegas: Producer Maynard Sloate, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt and husband Dennis Bono, attorney Mark Risman, Sahara Entertainment Director Ron Garrett, Kenny Kerr, Peter Anthony, Tony Sacca, Babe Pier, magician Jason Andrews, Linda November and Artie Schroeck, and last but not least attorney Angela Bell (Freddie's ex-wife) and her family. His good buddy, and one heck of a friend, Carme, was cruising the high seas, but sent a telegram congratulating Bell for making it to yet another birthday.
 

If you want to see some great entertainment, The Bootlegger has something going just about every night of the week. But, Friday and Saturday belongs to Bell and his friends. And, gang, that spells ENTERTAINMENT like it used to be in our little Village! Do yourself a favor (if you haven't already been there) and drive out on the old Las Vegas Blvd., to the Bootlegger and take in the Freddie Bell show at 10 p.m.
Then Monday night my Lady Fair and I traveled to the Suncoast to catch the final performance (this month) of the Las Vegas Tenors (I refer to them as the Four Tenors). As you already know, if you read this column very much, I think they are the most talented singers in Las Vegas - bar none! What they do on that stage is entertain you in every mode of song there is: classical, opera, pop, jazz, country and Broadway. They are truly tenors, but each has his own style and range. Bobby Black (he's the big guy of the group) blows you away with his rendition of Etta James' hit "At Last" in an almost soprano like voice. Little Teddy Davey does a fabulous "New York State of Mind" and what can one say about Mark Giovi when he gets down and dirty with a famous "Blues" song. And then there's Bill Fayne, who has been conductor, music arranger and writer with Clint Holmes for more than 25 years, who founded the group by accident at the Bootlegger about a year ago. That's another story for another time.
 

Of course Holmes and his lady, entertainer Kelly Clinton, were there to celebrate the evening. Linda and Artie (previously mentioned above) were in the audience, as was Cook E. Jarr, Mac King and impressionist Fred Travalena.
 

We sat in our booth, along with Selma and Vic (from the Del Webb Summerlin area) and enjoyed over 90 minutes of beautiful music, especially with a live five piece band. The harmony these four guys put out is magnificent and just awe-inspiring. I've never been a big fan of classical or operatic music, but they have changed my mind to where I look forward to hearing them.
 

The guys have signed a contract to appear at the Suncoast for four Mondays beginning November 6th. Incidentally, the room was SRO, so I would suggest you make reservations now for any Monday night in November.
 

Then it was off to I-95 for the trip across town to the Casa Di Amore Restaurant on Tropicana for a party in honor of Clint Holmes, hosted by Jaki Baskow and her talent agency. The party started at 9 p.m. and was still going strong when we left at 12:30 a.m. We sat with Jackie Brett and Mel Carter who walked over from their home. Those in attendance included the Bobby Morris Jazz Band, Frankie Randall, Cook E. Jarr, Freddie Bell and Angela, Mac King, Lance Burton, Gordie Brown, Frankie and Chrissi Scinta, Ms. Clinton, The Las Vegas Tenors, Michaelina Bellamy and Mary Wilson. I understand the last three to leave were Clint, Kelly and Ms. Wilson. It was a grand party and the food was out of sight. Congrats once again to the Hostess with the Mostest, Jaki Baskow
 

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: By the way, want to let you know that Kelly Clinton is performing in the Casbar Lounge at the Sahara Hotel with showtimes 8 and 9:30 p.m. through this Sunday. This is a gal who has it all: beauty, a fabulous personality and a voice you really want to listen to. The evening we were there Clint Holmes and Frankie Scinta joined Kelly on stage. This is like those good old days I often talk about, when main room stars would visit various lounges in town and join a performer on stage. One of the best, at doing that, was Frank Sinatra and his buddies. When the Rat Pack were performing at the Sands Hotel, they would go over to the old Silver Slipper after their show and join Hank Henry in the lounge, entertaining until the wee hours of the morning. Those were some of the good old days!
 

Another favorite singer of mine is Genevieve, who'll be downtown at Jazz at The Church (231 S. 3rd Street at Bridger) this Friday along with the Bobby Morris Jazz Band from 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday she'll be back at Josette's Bistro on W. Flamingo from Noon to 3 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 13th it will be Concerts on the Lake at Montelago Village Resort from 7 to 10 pm..
Well, gang, that's about it for another week.
I'm outa here!

(SOURCE: "It's The Norm" http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/norm/)


September 22, 2006
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
"Tenors prove talent transcends day jobs"
By Mike Weatherford

Something doesn't add up here.

The way the story is usually told, talented Las Vegas performers are supposed to slum their way through crappy shows like "Bite" and "Ba-Da-Bing" to pay the bills. If, once in a while, they get together to perform something with musical integrity, they do it for charity or just for fun. Maybe for their families and a few friends.

But last Monday, about 350 people turned out to see a trio of local singers banded together as the Las Vegas Tenors. That's an impressive build from about 200 people on Sept. 11, the first of four consecutive Monday shows at the Suncoast. And the trio did this without its founder and heavy hitter, Bill Fayne, who doesn't wrap up his regular job as Clint Holmes' musical director until Sept. 30.

I'm willing to bet the room was more crowded than "Bite" when one of the Tenors, Mark Giovi, reported to his regular gig at the Stratosphere's topless vampire spectacular. And I know it was a larger audience than fellow Tenor Teddy Davey played to when I saw "Ba-Da-Bing" in a Stardust restaurant last year.

Granted, the Tenors are in for a limited run, not an open-ended, nightly challenge to sell tickets. Audience members were mostly local and almost exclusively retirement-aged, so their money isn't as green on the Strip as it is in Summerlin.

But already the Tenors are booked to return in November. And commercial concerns aside, the lesson is still valid: Give talented people a forum to entertain you without gimmicks and they will.

"We love to sing, what else can I say?" the third Tenor, Bobby Black, explained to the crowd as he set up the eclectic song list that ran from Broadway classics to '50s blues standards, backed by a four-piece band (with recorded orchestrations).

If, on the balance, there was an over-reliance on the Josh Groban songbook and PBS pledge-week "pop-era," it could be written off to the newness of an enterprise that started as an informal venture at the Bootlegger Bistro.

There are plenty of other classic rock anthems besides the Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin" to translate into Italian. Given more opportunities to perform, these guys are sure to find them. Already, you see a distinctive group identity emerging in their treatments of "Let the Good Times Roll" and Van Morrison's "Moondance," with the saxophone work of Tommy Steele throwing a little extra kick into the "Las Vegas" part of the group name.

And some audience members were no doubt fine with having Groban so well represented, since the middlebrow icon only gets here once a year or so. The Tenors served up both "The Prayer" and "You Raise Me Up," and guest singer Celeste Lero even got into the act with "Hymne A L'Amour," which Groban covers on his "Closer" album.

Judging by Fayne's work onstage with Holmes, he's bound to add extra gravity to the operatic side of the program, as well as extra charisma to the group dynamic. Before he returns Oct. 2, however, ticket-holders will have to be content with Virtual Fayne, singing a video duet of "Caruso" (Groban again) with Davey.

Davey displayed his range by nailing the young Billy Joel on "New York State of Mind." Black did likewise on "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miserables" and the blues standard "At Last." If Giovi's voice was almost too handsome to sing the dirty blues on "Stormy Monday," you could call that a good problem to have.

The homegrown Lero added a welcome female presence, teaming with Giovi for "The Phantom of the Opera" and with all the guys for a "West Side Story" medley.

The obligatory "Nessun Dorma" finale didn't quite bring on the goosebumps the way Lani Misalucha does when she sings the aria with the Society of Seven. But at least now, if she ever wants a side gig, she knows where to go.


September 1, 2006
"It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events

"
THE CAFÉ, CLINT HOLMES & BILL MEDLEY"
by Norm Johnson

 

There was and is always a lot going on in our little corner of the world - every day of the week. First off the bat we have the "Las Vegas Tenors," who I refer to as the "Four Tenors," coming into the Suncoast Showroom every Monday evening beginning Sept. 11th and going through Oct. 2nd. Then we have Bill Medley being honored on the same evening by the The CAST, and of course we have the remembrance of that day not too long ago that shook the world.
 

Oh, yes, and I visited Mandalay Bay for a super fine dinner hosted by my favorite PR gal Shellee Renee. More on this extra special treat further down in the column.

I will be posting my annual Sept 11th 2001 column next Friday so be forewarned.
 

"The LV Tenors" will need our total support during its four performances at the Suncoast, so be sure to call and order your tickets ASAP. The new act at the Suncoast Showroom will have a live band and special musical guests stopping by each Monday. Bill Fayne, who is Clint Holmes' musical conductor at Harrah's on the Strip, will not be at the first two Monday shows in person (but will be seen via a special screen presentation). The show will kick off at 7:30 pm. with tickets priced from $19.95 plus tax. If you've been reading my column for any length of time then you know what I think of Mark Giovi, Bobby Black, Teddy Davy and Bill. They are without question the best I've seen in Las Vegas in the 41 years I've lived here. And, gang, that covers a lot of acts! And, if you've sorta been toying with the idea of spending a few bucks to see a show and weren't sure of what to see, then there's no more wondering. You have to trust this old writer one more time. Go see the Las Vegas Tenors at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino. Call 636-7075 for tickets.
 

Incidentally, this is the last month we'll be able to see Mr. Holmes performing at Harrah's. That's right, gang, he's moving on to fulfill a lifetime dream of eventually going to Broadway with his own show. There are no guarantees in life as we all know. For Clint it's been a hell of a ride thus far - from extended weeks at the Golden Nugget with Steve Wynn to Harrah's and his own named showroom. That in itself was a dream many performers pray for every night when they go to bed - but Clint dreams big dreams. He and his gang (Bill Fayne, etc) will hit the road to Chicago where they will begin rehearsals for the musical based on his life. There's talk of going to London first with the show, then bringing it to Broadway. More on this after I visit with Clint during his last week in the Clint Holmes Showroom.
 

"The Café" at Mandalay Bay is not your typical 24/7 restaurant anymore. At one time it was a nice place to eat, but you wouldn't have thought to make it a dining adventure. Well, under the direction of the Director of Food & Beverage Rick Goldstein it has been completely redesigned and is right now as close to being a gourmet restaurant as you can get. The completely new interior was designed by Goldstein (standing or sitting daily with the design department) and was completed in about seven months at a cost of nearly $800,000 (give or take a few thousand). And it shows. The colors are easy to the eyes, chairs and booths are very comfortable and the tables are ultra nice. But, the touch of excellence is in the food department. It is out of sight!
 

Of course the staff was aware that Ms. Shellee Renee was bringing three special guests to dinner: Fellow writer Ms. Jackie Brett and her favorite guy, Mel Carter and this writer. When we entered The Café we were greeted by Café General Manager Ms. Fritzie Enaje (she was born in the Philippines) who led us to our table. It was without question going to be a very special evening of tasting some fabulous food.
 

First off we each ordered a very nice vino of choice. Then we went over the menu. This is not your usual coffee shop menu. When have you seen rigatoni or braised pork chichi verde on a regular menu? Not too often I would bet. I was thinking of Steak Frites (a 10 ounce choice strip steak) as my main meal, when our host suggested we sorta take a little of just about everything on the dinner menu. That was okayed and so off went Ms. Enaje to give the Chef (who we met and of course I lost his card) our order. About this time Mr. Goldstein arrived and we chatted with him as we awaited the first of many plates of food to arrive. The first was some spicy Thai Honey chicken wings ($7.95) and wow were they good. That was followed in order with a chilled shrimp cocktail ($10.95) which of course I couldn't touch (allergy), and Tandori beef skewers ($7.95). We were sorta getting filled to the gills by this time, but we had a lot more to go.
 

It was now time for the house specialties and my steak frites ($17.95). Jackie ordered the Braised Pork Chili Verde ($14.95), while Mel selected the rigatoni ($14.95) with Shellee going for the Ricotta Ravioli ($14.95). To be perfectly honest with you the food was just fantastic. Not a morsel was left for the poor dog or cat (well actually we all took home a little doggie box). In our conversation with Goldstein he had mentioned that his favorite dessert was what he called "Ding Dongs," that his grandmother used to make, and that he had given the recipe to the dessert department (sorry Rick, I lost my notes on this subject) and they are now the hit of the hotel. They leave the shelves as fast as they arrive. He told us they were out of them and suggested a special ice cream dessert which we agreed to share. Surprise, surprise, surprise! Just as we were getting ready to call it a night, here came Rick with two boxes and a big smile on his face. We had our "Ding Dongs." Now, I too am hooked, but I really can't afford the trip every morning to get my fix. Oh, well, maybe he'll have them delivered to my condo.
We said our goodbyes and left carrying our doggie box and our box of ding dongs. It was another (think of all the adjectives) evening of fine dining. Can't wait for the next one!
 

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: On Monday, Sept. 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Sahara Hotel & Casino, Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers, will be honored by The CAST, Inc. at a gala dinner. Bill will receive the first Louie Prima Award, which represents outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry. The CAST is comprised of entertainers, musicians and non-entertainers dedicated to supporting the Las Vegas community and entertainers from the past and present who need a helping hand. It's truly one of the best such organization I've had the privilege of being an honorary member of (media) and will continue to support 100 percent. Righteous Brothers' impersonators, Gene Sironenl and Doug Masters, will entertain with dance music provided by the 10-piece Benny Bennet Orchestra. Tickets are priced at $59.95 and include a wonderful dinner, etc. For tickets call (702) 737-2515.
 

Well, gang, ran a little long this week. It was the food!
I'm outa here!

(SOURCE: "It's The Norm" http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/norm/)


January 27, 2006
"It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events

"TENORS, BOYS OF THUNDER AND RICH LITTLE"

by Norm Johnson


It was a busy week for this writer and another busy one is coming up beginning Monday. First off the bat we took in the Las Vegas Tenors (hopefully you've read my previous reviews) inside the Stirling Club, then went to see Rich Little on Friday at the Suncoast. Following Rich, we stopped off at the Sahara to check on "The Checkmates" and, finally we were royally entertained by Regis Philbin and his wife, Joy, Saturday night at the Golden Nugget.

The Boys of Thunder will be at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway beginning Monday morning. Yep, gang, 41 of the top drivers of NASCAR will be testing those Dodges, Fords and Chevrolets on the 1.5-mile super speedway through Wednesday. Each driver is allowed to practice only two of the three days during this very important test session.


In addition to preparing for the March 12 UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400, there will be a bunch of different agendas by the teams. For defending Nextel Champion, Tony Stewart, it will be the first time he's been in a stock car this year. Stewart skipped the Daytona test session so he could compete in the Chili Bowl Sprint Car event in Oklahoma, where he flipped a couple of times. Several teams have new drivers and they will be working on team work between drivers and the crews. Local resident (actually he has moved) Kurt Busch is among those with a new team. Ford drivers will be getting the feel of the new Ford Fusion.

"The test at Las Vegas really shows us how the cars will perform on a 1.5-mile track," Ryan Newman, driver of the #12 Alltel Dodge, said. "The 1.5-mile tracks on the circuit are very similar, so the testing session here gives us a good read on how we can expect to perform at those tracks throughout the season."
The public is invited to watch the sessions free of charge each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday night, Jan 31st the racing fraternity will honor one of its very own at Mandalay Bay during a special "Night of Champions" for the Speedway Children's Charities. Mel Larson, who raced in the good old days of NASCAR, is the honoree. The keynote speaker will be four-time NASCAR Champion Jeff Gordon. Every dime raised by this particular charity actually stays in Las Vegas and is doled out each year.


The Las Vegas Tenors were again spectacular. The room where they performed at Turnberry Place on Paradise holds about 250 very comfortably. Well, it was SRO this particular evening, and Kelly Clinton who books the room should be congratulated on a fabulous evening of great singing. Bill Fayne, Mark Giovi, Teddy Davey and Bobby Black make up the LV Tenors. Sometimes we only get three of them, depending on who is working elsewhere, but this time we got all four. Talked to Golden Nugget VP of Entertainment (who had the group in his showroom a few weeks ago) Joe Leone following the show. I'm looking for an announcement that the group has been booked downtown within a few weeks (I'm only guessing). In the audience was a very special guest, Mary Wilson, formerly of The Supremes. It had been a long time since I was in her company (used to do her publicity in the '80s when she worked here) and, gang, she's as beautiful as ever!

Now I've reviewed my friend Rich Little a number of times, so I've seen a lot of his shows, beginning back when he worked the Sahara Hotel, etc. This particular show titled "One's a Crowd" at the Suncoast was without question the best he's ever done in my estimation. From the opening moment when he walks out on stage as George Burns you just know this is going to be something special. His jokes are fresh and on the mark as he goes through a few impressions before he gets to his personal favorites like Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, and the Rat Pack. He nails Sammy as always. We were really entertained for 80 solid minutes of comedy, impressions and some great music. I would highly recommend Rich Little anytime.


Saturday night was the one evening I was really looking forward to, as Regis was in town to perform. Joe Leone had made sure we had good seats and we awaited the man who used to wake me up every morning. Carson would put me to sleep and Regis would wake me up. For those of you who were not aware of it, Regis has a wonderfully pleasant voice as does his wife Joy. Neither will ever be called a great singer and they're the first to admit to that statement. But, they perform some of the oldie but goodie songs like they're supposed to be sung-with heart! Joy is just that, a joy to see and hear. She has those sparkling eyes and the greatest smile in the world (at least I think so). Regis is just like you see on his TV show every morning-loose, carefree and very gracious. Another winner for the Golden Nugget!
 

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: "The Checkmates" are at the Sahara Hotel on a 30 week deal. Sonny Charles and "Sweet Louie" have been inked for two shows nightly on the late shift during 2006...


The Las Vegas Hilton has added another major name to its entertainment roster. Kenny G will be headlining in the showroom March 8-9 and Nov. 29-30. REO Speedwagon rolls into the Hilton March 10-11. The night everyone is waiting for is just around the corner. Michael Buble is set for Feb. 10-12 and the 14th. From what I've heard he's damn near sold out...

 

Sherie Ray Parker, who is one of the best at doinBette Midler, has been a busy gal doing her act all over the world. She's about ready to make a major announcement on a Las Vegas gig...


Well, gang, that's about it for this week.
I'm outa here!
(SOURCE: "It's The Norm" http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/norm/)


November 18, 2005
"It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events
“FOUR TENORS AT THE GOLDEN NUGGET”
by Norm Johnson
 

“It was one of those very special evenings Thursday at the Golden Nugget, downtown. Joe Leone, Vice-President of Entertainment for all the Nugget properties, has struck gold once again.


Let me tell you a short story. A few months ago this reporter, along with about 200 other enthusiastic fans of certain singers, attended a show at the Turnberry Towers. Leone was there. We stood off to the side (there were no seats remaining) and watched and listened to three guys sing. Joe turned to me with that wry smile he has and said "they belong at my place." I agreed.


Well last night the Las Vegas Tenors (or Four Tenors or The Tenors) made their Main Showroom debut at Joe's place. The group of four (it started out originally as three) exceptionally talented tenors are: Bill Fayne (the creator and leader), Mark giovi, Teddy Davey and Bobby Black. Each man is a working singer at other venues. I have coined a phrase for what they do, "Popera," because they run the range of music from Pop to Opera to Broadway to Elvis. It is without question the ultimate singers appreciation show.


The first two song set the tone for the entire evening, a beautiful "La Donna Mobile" by Bill, Mark and Teddy, quickly followed by Bobby coming towards the stage singing "Let The Good Times Roll" joined on stage by the other three. "Nights in White Satin" is the next fantastic rendition created by Mr. Fayne (who is also Clint Holmes best buddy and conductor). All four tenors then take turns at "You Raise Me Up" before each got their own solo spot. Fayne does a beautiful "To Where You Are" followed quickly by giovi who brought the crowd to their feet with an amazing "Music of the Night," with "Bring Him Home" powerfully presented by Black. Next came Davey who sang the wonderful "Speak Softly Love." The final solo spot was a clever bit of business by Bill singing "Mr. Cellophane" from the musical "Chicago." What would a tenor show be without "Volare?" And, believe me, Teddy, Mark and Bobby can't be topped on that number. Black, who has a fantastic range, literally brought the house to their feet (they did that quite frequently during the 90 minute show) with his very upbeat rendition of "At Last." "New York State of Mind" by Davey can't be topped by anyone and then along comes Elvis' "Teddy Bear" with Bill Fayne in costume (there has to be a little bit of comedy in any show, right?). Teddy and Bill then perform a duet in its original format (Italian) titled "Caruso." All four do a salute to The Man (Frank Sinatra) with "My Way." Bill's final number is another opera piece of business every tenor in the world has sung at least once titled "Nessun Dorma." The encore was the beautiful and moving "The Prayer."


All I can say, gang, is the audience went away with smiles on their faces and love in their hearts for the great show they had just witnessed. Mr. Leone, who told me in confidence, is already planning on a return engagement. And, when the contracts are inked, you will be the first to know-thereby giving you enough time to get your tickets before they sell out! That's just how good these four men are! “
(SOURCE: "It's The Norm" http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/norm/)