Following what is becoming a trend up and down the Strip, the Riviera Hotel and Casino has signed singing sensation Marlene Ricci to an indefinite contract to appear in the resort's newly remodeled Le Bistro. The Frank Sinatra discovery opened on Tuesday, January 29, performing one show a night at 8:30 pm.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Ricci has been singing since the age of five. By the time she was in her teens, her father was driving her to shows in nightclubs throughout the state. The talented songstress was on the road for several years working all the clubs from New York City to San Francisco to Reno.

Ricci's audition in Las Vegas led to an immediate booking at the Aladdin Hotel and it was only a matter of time before Sinatra recognized her talent and made her his opening act.

Marlene's years with the legendary crooner would allow her to perform with large orchestras in many of the great concert venues in America, including Sunrise Theatre in Florida; Garden State Arts Center in New Jersey; Pine Knob in Detroit; Circle Star Theatre in San Carlos; Chicago Stadium in Chicago and the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. Ricci was exposed to well over a million people during her two and half years on the "Frank Sinatra Show." During Sinatra' s "off time," Ricci opened shows in Las Vegas at the Riviera, the Sands and the Sahara with other big name stars: Don Rickles, Flip Wilson, Alan King, Paul Anka, Sammy Davis Jr., Red Skeleton, David Brenner, Bob Hope, Shecky Greene, David Brenner, Alabama and the Village People, among others.

Riviera President Robert Vannucci says, "We are fortunate to have a high caliber talent like Marlene Ricci join the Riviera entertainment family. She has one of the great voices in the business. Every article ever written about Marlene indicates she's a favorite with locals and tourists alike, as well as other high-profiled stars."

Show times are 8:30 pm., Tuesday through Sunday. Call the Riviera Box Office for reservations and further information: (702) 794-9433. The Marlene Ricci website is located at www.marlenericci.com.

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