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| April 11-17, 2002 | ARCHIVES |
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| "It's The Norm" - Recent Entertainment Events in Las Vegas | |
Inductees Trini Lopez, Vikki Carr, Charo, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and The Characters.
The Tropicana Hotel reached a special milestone on April 4, when it celebrated its 45th anniversary of existence on the Las Vegas strip. When it opened it cost $15 million to construct and had only 300 rooms. It quickly became the place the stars wanted to stay at when they visited Las Vegas and became known as "The Tiffany of the Strip." The Tulip shaped logo that stood on the corner became famous around the world. The Tropicana has undergone many changes over the years and now includes 1,800 rooms, and of course has been the home of the world-renown production of the "Folies Bergere" since 1959. One of the big attractions that can presently be found inside the Tropicana is the Casino Legends Hall of Fame; a 5,000 square-foot museum dedicated to the ever-changing history of gaming and entertainment in Nevada. Each year the Hall inducts those people who have been selected by committee to be so honored. This year's ceremony takes place this Friday in the Tiffany Theatre beginning at 1:00 pm., with comedian Pat Cooper hosting the event. Admission is free, so get there early. The inductees are Trini Lopez, Vikki Carr, Charo, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and The Characters. Ms. Carr and Lopez worked in most of the main showrooms of Las Vegas including the showroom at the Tropicana, when there were two different showrooms. |
The Characters were formed in 1953 in Philadelphia, PA. where a number of Las Vegas acts seemed to have migrated from. In 1955 the group came to the Sahara Hotel where they joined an illustrious group of lounge acts. They worked alongside fellow members of the Hall including the Mary Kaye Trio, Louis Prima and Keely Smith, Sonny King and Freddie Bell, all of whom are credited with what is now known as the Las Vegas "Historic Lounge Era." Blackie Hunt and Johnny Ricco, two of the original members, will be on hand to accept the honor. Charo is a veteran of the Big Band era as well as a star in her own right. She first worked in Las Vegas with a Latin band under the leadership of Xavier Cugat, where for three years her fame began to grow. Eventually she formed her own act and worked with the likes of Jack Jones, Joey Bishop, Buddy Hackett and Rip Taylor to name a few of the stars. Her first U.S. record, "Cuchi-Cuchi" went platinum and a single from that album, "Dance a Little Bit Closer" became a hit in discos worldwide. Her follow-up album, "Ole, Ole" contained a single "Stay With Me," which became a gold record from international sales. She has been doing her own show at the Venetian for the past six months and just signed a deal to move to the Congo Room at the Sahara Hotel. And should you be in the Tropicana on a Monday be sure to stop by the museum and meet a living Las Vegas Legend in the person of Steve Rossi, the singing half of the world famous comedy team of Marty Allen and Steve Rossi. Steve is there every Monday from 11 am to 3:30 pm. where he is available for signing autographs. The Casino
Legends Hall of Fame is not only a Hall of Fame, but also a museum that houses
the largest and most unique collection of Nevada gaming and entertainment
memorabilia ever assembled. It is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm., with admission
$4.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors.
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