by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

ArtFest in Henderson over the past weekend, as far as this artist is concerned, was a huge success. The crowds were great, the buyers were terrific and the promoters, Frank and Sherry Maquire couldn't have been any nicer to this writer and Paige O'Hara. They made us feel like real honest to God celebrities (of which O'Hara rightfully belongs).

We were inside the convention center, protected from the wind and heat. At one time, Sunday afternoon, a Sand Devil came through the outside exhibit area and took down a couple of tents.

One exhibit lost nearly all of its pottery inventory. Another was saved by some firefighters, who managed to hold the tent erect while others secured it. It was rather devastating. But, everyone carried on.

The Las Vegas Tenors (I still call them the Four Tenors) will be performing once again at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel on Sunday, June 1st. A new face will be appearing with the founders of the group, Chris Coyne. Performing this particular evening will be founder Bill Fayne, Bobby Black, Teddy Davey and Coyne. Chris has an extensive resume and is currently performing as Master of Ceremonies and Lead Singer in the long running revue, "Folies Bergere," in the Tiffany Theatre at the Tropicana Hotel.

With permission of the Hilton Hotel, local residents (you must show proof of residency) will be able to purchase tickets at half price. Tickets are priced from $40 to $53.64 and are available by calling the Hilton Box Office, (702) 732-5755.

In case you are new to our little village, or never heard of our Las Vegas Tenors, here is a little background. Fayne, who has been singer / entertainer Clint Holmes conductor for more than 26 years, would drop in occasionally at Kelly Clinton's "Celebrity Karaoke" at the Bootlegger Restaurant and perform. One evening Bobby Black, Teddy Davey and Mark Giovi decided to join Fayne and the rest (as they say in showbiz) is history. This was about two years ago. The guys continue to grow in our village and around the nation. They have entertained in numerous venues throughout Las Vegas and are in constant demand for benefits (for which they always make time).

The program for Sunday, June 1st is titled "POPERA," a mix of the classics, pop, rock, swing and Broadway as only the Tenors can, along with some of their most requested songs such as: "You Raise Me Up," "The Prayer," "Moondance," "Nights in White Satin," "Nessun Dorma" and a new medley of music made famous by The Beatles.

A close friend of mine, Elizabeth Foyt (she writes for The Greenspun Group) passed on some information (I requested it personally) about last Saturday's (May 10) benefit for The Second Chance Foundation of Nevada. Ann Lynch, vice-president of Sunrise Hospital's government relations and marketing, was honored at the gala dinner and roast inside Planet Hollywood. Among those "roasting" and "toasting" Ms. Lynch were Dr. Brian Cram, Ken and Dee Ladd and Jon Ralston, who served as emcee for the gala.

Second Chance helps those in need of tissue and organ transplantation and supports the organ donor program, while providing educational outreach throughout the state. The "Heart-themed" license plates are extremely popular and are a constant reminder to volunteer as a donor.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: "Impossible Magic," starring Steve Dacri, voted 2008 Close-up Magician of the Year (his close-up work is unbelievable) will debut this weekend at Six Tables Restaurant, 2110 Rampart Blvd. What really makes this engagement unusual for Dacri is that he'll be doing his magic in front of only 30 people! Yep, you read it right, there are only six tables available and the cost is $300 per person. Of course you get a six course Gourmet Dinner, champagne and your choice of at least four main courses. Such a deal! Dinner is at 7 p.m. and reservations are required by calling (702) 256-2060... Celebrate National Salad Month (May) at Roberta's Steakhouse inside the famous El Cortez Hotel / Casino, downtown. Roberta's Garbage salad is available for $6.95, and includes just about everything but the kitchen sink (veggies, etc). Historically, the salad originated in the Chicago Chophouses (Steakhouse) decades ago. It's huge, gang... "Super Summer Theatre" returns for its 33rd season with a great play, Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." The first performance will take place June 4th at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, beginning at 8 p.m. It's quite an experience, if you're new to our little village (Las Vegas) - you sit on grass and watch the performance in the cool of the evening (bring a jacket as it can, and usually does, get cool after the sun goes down). Most people pack a picnic dinner, wine and blankets to sit on. Chairs are available for rent, and you get it all for only $10. Now that is a deal!...

Well, gang, that's about it for another week.

I'm outa here!

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