by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

Traveled to the Suncoast Hotel / Casino the other evening to watch and listen to one of the great new musical groups (well they've been around about a year now), "Shades of Sinatra." This is, I believe, about the third time I've sat and listened to them sing the songs of The Man, and it gets better every visit.

The group is comprised of three guys and a beautiful, perky gal who sing their butts off: Carmine Mandia, Ryan Baker, Larry Liso and Lisa Smith. Songs are pretty much divided equally between the four, with Lisa doing a few duets with all three guys.

I did not write down each song performed, but with medleys and entire songs I would venture to guess you'll hear about 40 plus songs made famous by Frank Sinatra - and even a few obscure songs (if there ever were any).

The only criticism I have about the show, and it's not of the music or quality of the singing, has to do with banter between Mandia and Liso about drinking too much. It's a running gag in the show, but perhaps could be eliminated or at least toned down. Liso does a great job of carrying the gag to its conclusion and even looks a lot like Dean Martin - but this is a show about Sinatra, not the Rat Pack. That would allow for the addition of more songs during the 90-plus minutes. This is only a suggestion, gang, and overall I love the show and will be back again and again as long as they sing those great songs of Sinatra. I'll keep you all posted on their appearance schedule.

The "Boys of Thunder" arrive in town Monday for two days of testing at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Jan. 28-29). Of course I'm speaking of the racecar drivers of NASCAR and the Sprint Series. Yep, they've gone and changed the name of the series once again. It was known for umpteen years as the Winston Cup, then changed a couple of years ago to the Nextel Cup and is now the Sprint Cup. I sorta like the new name - as it denotes speed.

Anyhow, just about every top notch driver will be here testing the new "Car of Tomorrow," which is now the car of today - as it will be the only body (car) being run in the top series. Original plans called for testing in actual races last year, with a part-time schedule this year (trading off between the old and new), but the COT proved itself quickly and NASCAR moved to use it at every race this season. It is also a cost saver for the teams - not having to maintain two different types of car.

The sessions get underway around 8 a.m. and go until noon and then resume around 1:30 p.m. till about 5 p.m. The grandstands are open to the public free of charge. Most of the cars will be running with primer only and their respective numbers. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., will be driving for a new team (Hendricks Motor Sports) and has a new number this year #88. Two local drivers, Kurt and Kyle Busch, will be on hand testing their cars, with Kyle joining a new team (Gibbs Racing) and driving a new car - Toyota. And, believe it or not, a rookie will be attracting a whole lot of attention during the tests, leading up to the "Great American Race," the Daytona 500. That driver is Dario Franchitti, who won the 2007 Indy 500 in the open-wheel series. The Edinburgh, Scotland, native signed a multi-year deal with Chip Ganassi Racing to compete full-time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series. He also becomes the first European driver in the sanctioning body's 59-year history. He will be driving the #40 Dodge Charger and oh, yes, he is married to the beautiful actress Ashley Judd.

Tickets for the NASCAR Sprint Cup UAW-Dodge 400 and the NASCAR Nationwide (they have replaced the Busch series for 2008) Series Sam's Town 300, taking place at the speedway Feb. 29-March 2, are now on sale. Call (800) 644-4444 for information.

While on the subject of racing, the Pole Position Raceway, 4175 Arville, for Kart racing will have its Grand Opening this Tuesday evening (29th). Kurt Busch is one of the investors in the neat raceway and will be on hand, as will a number of the NASCAR Cup drivers. Ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m., but it will not be open to the public. However, it might be a good place to pick up a few autographs.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: Adult volunteers are needed as tour guides at McCaw School of Mines in Henderson, with experience not necessary. Each year, more than 5,000 third, fourth and fifth grade students visit the 1.5-acre complex which encompasses a 4,500-square-foot simulated underground mine, mining yard and equipment. The mine is located at Gordon McCaw Elementary School. To volunteer, or for info, call Clark Abrams at 558-4997, or Holly Eighmy at 799-3546...

Hawaiian Tropic Zone, located inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, will have a big grand opening this evening at 6 p.m. (Friday, the 25th.) with a number of stars expected to attend... Jersey Boys, the hit Broadway show, will open at the new and lavish Palazzo on April 4th... The Third Annual F.I.O.R.E. Valentine's Luncheon / Party will be held on Feb. 12 at Take 1 Restaurant, 7th and Fremont Street. Ladies, of course, are invited to attend this very special afternoon of good cheer, great company and lots of fun. If you plan on attending send an e-mail to nsardelli@aol.com or conradvillella@cox.net... Attending the new show at Harrah's as this column is being written. So, I'll report on the show "Hats!" next week.

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

I'm outa here!

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