 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| February 7-13, 2002 | ARCHIVES |
 | |
| "It's The Norm" - Recent Entertainment Events in Las Vegas | |
We mentioned a couple of weeks ago that two local ladies, who just happen to be fantastic entertainers, had signed long-term deals with two strip properties. We wrote about Marlene Ricci, as she was the first to open a couple of weeks ago. The second lady on the list is Gladys Knight and she opens this coming Tuesday, Feb. 12th two days before my Valentine birthday, at the Flamingo Hotel. The last time I personally had the opportunity to watch this magical lady perform was at Caesars Palace, when she had a long run from March 15 to June 11 in the hit show "Smoky Joe's Cafe." She was outstanding then and she will be outstanding in her new venue at the Flamingo. Considered by many, including this writer, Gladys' is considered one of the greatest soul-singers of all time. She has triumphed in all venues as an actress, songwriter and singing performer. Along her route to success she has collected a slew of awards, including Grammy's, platinum and gold records and in 1998 the lady was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Earlier, 1996, Knight and the Pips were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Gladys Knight and the Pips debuted their first albumin 1960 when she was just sixteen. Four decades of hits followed and ten songs reached #1 on the R&B chart, five became Top 20 pop hits and three were awarded Grammy's. In all, 36 albums have touched our emotions, caused us to dream and made us dance. Of course her smash hit and classic "Georgia On My Mind" is heard constantly on the airwaves. |
The week leading up to her opening night will be a wild one for the Las Vegas resident. Today (Thursday, Feb. 7), she co-hosted "The Today Show" with Katie Couric and follows that up will perform in Salt Lake City at the Winter Olympics debuting her own Olympic ballad, "This is Our Time," as the Olympic Torch enters the city. "I am thrilled to be headlining at a property with such a rich entertainment legacy "the Flamingo," she said. "I have lived in Las Vegas for quite sometime now and couldn't be happier to be performing on a steady basis in my hometown. I was looking for the perfect engagement to allow myself the chance to travel less and this couldn't have come at a better time." Showtimes for Ms. Knight will be 8:30 pm., on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday with a 7:30 and 10:00 pm schedule for Thursday and Saturday. Tickets may be purchased at the box office or by calling (702) 733-3333. A good buddy of this writer and of a lot of entertainers received a very rare honor the other day. Tony Sacca, long time singer, accomplished song writer, producer and host of the weekly syndicated television show "Entertainment Las Vegas Style," was given the Key to the City by Mayor Oscar Goodman. Tony has been a mainstay in Las Vegas since 1980. He and his wife / associate producer Darlene Sacca were recently also honored with the 2001 ADDY Award. The ADDY joins the trophy case already filled with numerous other awards including the Bronze Quill Award, The National Telly Award, The Videographer Award and the Communicator Award. As a host, entertainer and producer, Tony has been
representing and promoting Las Vegas both locally and nationally for over 16
years. "I've always believed in promoting Las Vegas and I do it every chance I
get." Tony and Darlene's annual Christmas Show is a big fundraiser and is well
supported by locals. "Las Vegas has been very good to me. I love the town!"
|
