by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

Went to Boulder Station the other evening to see a new concept of presenting a variety of performers in a set show. "Neon Knights," billed as a musical journey to light up your night, premiered in the Railhead Showroom before an enthusiastic mix of media, VIP's and regular paying customers.

Produced by RCM Productions and it's CEO Ronnie Cammisa and Bob Maxwell, CEO of Max Vegas Entertainment, the show consisted of a live 10-piece band and six featured singers plus the remarkable Jay Leno look-alike as emcee and host, Marcel Forestieri. Leno, huh Marcel, opens the evening with a great 15 minutes that included some of Leno's original material plus up-to-the-minute lines that Leno would use if he was on stage. We enjoyed the jokes and he keeps the show moving. First out of the chute was Laurence T who opened with what I would call a "slow rap song." He has a five-octave range with a sound similar to the great Lou Rawls.

Paul Casas is no newcomer to Las Vegas audiences, having worked in just about every hotel downtown and on the strip. His tribute to Richie Valance proved to be a big hit as he walked through the audience greeting everyone he could. Steven David, a white haired crooner in the style of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett or Jerry Vale won instant approval with his rendition of "All of Me" followed by a smooth "Summer Time." The Denver, Colorado resident was a great addition to the cast.

One of my favorites singers is Genevieve DuCraig who arrived here from Los Angeles and was hired as a Beventertainer at the Rio Hotel when the new term was created. When time permits she's been making frequent guest stops at such Karaoke hot spots as the Bootlegger and Imperial Palace. So, when this show was being put together she was one of the first asked. She does a fantastic up-tempo "Change" and finishes up with a beautiful "At Last." A definite star in the making!

Very possibly tied with Genevieve as to whom was actually asked first to participate is the next act to follow, Michael Cagle. You've read about him in my column, Tim McDarrah's of the Sun and Norm Clarke's of the Review Journal to name just a few who have seen this talented young man perform. Well, like they say you haven't seen nothin' until you see him backed by a live band. His "Didn't We Almost Have it All" was a killer topped only by his closing number, "Over the Rainbow."

The closing act, Russell "Rusty" Varney brought his country voice and guitar to the stage, sorta in a bad spot following the above two acts. But, from the opening number to the closing "The Red, White and Blue" he had the crowd on his side.

My overall opinion is that Cammisa and Maxwell have the right idea and some great talent to work with. It just needs to be tweaked carefully as to whom is on stage and at what spot in the program. I think a better mix of ladies and guys would improve the show tremendously. Forestieri is the perfect host. The first act, in my opinion, should be a strong up-tempo type singer to set the mood. The closer should be like Genevieve or Michael. For what it's worth this could be a great presentation with a few modifications. The show runs every Tuesday and Wednesday night in the Railhead showroom at Boulder Station. Call for times and tickets.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:- "Broadway Comes to Vegas" is the theme of this years Ronald McDonald House Charity Event at the Rio Hotel Friday, April 16th. The black tie dinner and silent auction will get underway at 6 pm., in the Pavilion Ballroom. According to Jo Ann Malone (she of the House) it'll have a red carpet treatment with all the lights and sounds of a Broadway opening. My good friend and a wonderful singer / entertainer Patricia Welch will be the featured star of the evening. The former Broadway star (she starred with Yul Brynner in the King & I) will do three of her famous vignettes from Broadway: "My Fair Lady" then "Phantom of the Opera" followed by "Sunset Boulevard" with a complete costume change for each number. For ticket information call RMHC at (702) 252-4663. It's a worthy cause with a fabulous entertainer who calls Las Vegas home... The rain really took a toll on the recent NHRA drag races at The Strip last weekend. There was no loss of enthusiasm by the racers, however, just a low attendance count for the two remaining days following the big rain on Friday. Our guy Brendon Bernstein did not fair as well as we had hoped, darn it!... Brendan Gaughan is still in the learning curve as he races his #77 Kodak Dodge in the Nextel Cup Series... There is a big press luncheon being held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for a major announcement to be made jointly by the speedway and the great race champion Mario Andretti. Could it be about a new race coming to the speedway?... A new concept in motor sports will have its first start at the "Bullring" this coming Friday (the 16th) when the 2004 Hancock Tire Drifting Series is run. More on this as time permits... Preferred Public Relations held a big party to show off its new office building with some fantastic food catered by Memphis Barbeque and lots of wonderful beverages. The new office is at 2675 S. Jones, suite 210 and guess what? It has one room dedicated to the kids called "The Kid's Room" with a sand filled floor and all kinds of toys.... On April 14 "Serendipity" returns for another long run at the Gold Coast... The Hurricane Bar and Grill, located at 10420 S. Bermuda Rd, is holding a jam session every Sunday at 8 pm. It features Tommy Alvarado, Joel Richman, Darryl Williams and Peter Rad... Standup comic Paul Rodriquez will be doing his comic routine next Friday and Saturday (16-17) in the Las Vegas Hilton Showroom with tickets priced at $35 and $45 plus tax... Harrah's on the strip held a "Flair Bartending" contest that we attended. Now I had never been to one of these so it was quite surprising to watch. I'll never be surprised, however, in what turns people on and how these different contests attract. There had to be over a 1000 paying customers crowded into Carnival Court the night I attended. And, to be honest, the contest was fun to watch... One of my personal favorites is comic / magician Nick Lewin. He'll be in Laughlin on Saturday, the 17th at Harrah's and then will fill in for his buddy Mac King at Harrah's on the strip April 20-24 and 27th through May 1..

Well, gang that about it for another week. I'm outa here!

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