by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

As you know I have been a fan of Kelly Clinton since I began watching "Vegas Live" on TV-One (also 19). Well, if you are not aware of it, this very funny and fabulous singer, hosts a weekly Karaoke every Monday night at the Bootlegger. So naturally I wondered out to one of my favorite Italian eateries to partake of some great food, some wonderful wine and watch what happens beginning at 10 pm. Four hours later I still didn't want to leave. It's that good!

This particular evening it seemed that just about anyone, who was someone showed up to either participate or sit and watch the talent. And there was a lot of talent on display. To begin with I was sitting between to fabulous ladies named Brenda: Mrs. Holmes and Ms. Weems.

Right off Kelly opened the show with Barry G handling the Disc Jockey like role of placing the right words to a particular song on the television screen. She sang two up-tempo numbers to warm up the room and point the show in the right direction. Bill Fayne, conductor and long-time friend of the great Clint Holmes, did a fantastic job on the classic "Your Still You." Michael Cagle, who appears at the Greek Isle, provided another pleasant surprise.

A surprise for the SRO crowd was the introduction of Martin Nievera who officially opened Wednesday (Jan. 14) at the Golden Nugget. Kelly asked him to do a song and he sang a beautiful original titled "You Are My Song" written for his special lady.

Frankie Scinta (of the Scintas at the Rio) did a Tom Jones take off with "Help Yourself" and wrapped it up with "Tomorrow Never Comes." The next star to sing was Clint Holmes (starring at Harrah's) who delivered two beautiful songs: "We're In Love Again" and "Sometimes When We Touch."

One of the funniest songs was an original by Ms. Clinton: "PMS Blues." This gal continues to amaze me with her comedic mind combined with a wonderful vocal talent. Another amazing singer, Michaelina (she also hosts a night at the Bootlegger) brought the crowd to their feet when she sang "I Need Your Love." In the audience were two back-up singers for the great Gladys Knight, and when a young lady named Rita from Texas got up to sing the girls gave her some strong, but impromptu, back-up. Another standing ovation was given to a young singer named Genevieve (she appears at the Rio) who sang "At Last."

Honestly, gang, there was some fantastic talent this particular Monday evening. Others who got up and entertained included Mario, Susan, Lisa Fairweather and Tommy Alvarado (he stages a jam session every Monday at Joey's Bistro). What is amazing, to this writer, is the hidden talent that comes out once these amateurs (many actually are amateurs) get up in front of a receptive audience. I watched the faces of Holmes and Frankie when certain singers were up there singing their hearts out. It was like discovering a new star.

Unfortunately for many, Karaoke is their only avenue for expression. Many are aware of the odds of making it in show business, so they keep their day jobs and make the rounds of the various Karaoke rooms during the evening. I know not how the other places are run, but it's runs extremely smooth at the Bootlegger. Kelly has two books (about three sets) that are passed among those signing up to sing. Each book holds a slew of songs that potential singers can select from. It's that easy. One is not judged and there are no contests. If you have the nerve and desire to sing then you belong at the Bootlegger on Monday night. It's fun, but just remember one thing-you're not in a shower!

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: The great tenor, Luciano Pavarotti will begin his 2004 North American Tour with an exclusive performance in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Saturday, Feb. 28th. Tickets range in price from $125 to $800 and are on sale beginning today (Friday)... A gal named Bea Fogelman does a tremendous job in helping celebrity impersonators find work or get exposure on her web site: Entertainment-Network.org. Her daughter is well known for portraying such stars as Bette Midler, Janis Joplin and Phyllis Diller... Clint Holmes will launch an all-new musical experience at Harrah's on Friday, Jan 23rd. I was told it will have new lighting, stage effects and a few self-penned originals to go along with his usual energetic presentations, including a newly-arranged and vocally demanding opera medley... The MGM will have three locations showing the Super Bowl come Sunday, Feb. 1 - The Grand Buffet, the Showbar Lounge and the Fiamma Trattoria, each priced separately... Patricia Welch is in Boston this weekend as the opening act for Robert Goulet. I had the privilege of sitting in at rehearsal and I have to tell you, Robert is singing better than ever. One would think he's about 40. And, Ms. Welch? Well let me just say what a wonderful voice... Grant Griffin will stage his annual concert at the Orleans on March 9, featuring Ms. Welch, Jeanine Marie and Michaelina. More on this later.

That's it for another week. I'm outa here!

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