 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| April 25, 2008 | NEWEST - PRIOR WEEK - ARCHIVES |
 | |
| "It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events | |
NORMAN KAYE BENEFIT ROCKS THE HOUSE
Well, gang, it's all over but the shouting. The Norman Kaye benefit / tribute show last Sunday at The Orleans was, to shout it to the world, one of the most successful events of its type held in many a year. But, it couldn't have been accomplished in three weeks if Nelson Sardelli hadn't called on his vast quorum of friends from every corner of the World. Praise has to go to Sardelli, who upon hearing that Kaye had suffered a stroke and that his medical bills were more than he and his wife, Barbara, could handle, immediately sped into action. The first meeting, and all subsequent meetings, took place at the downtown Take One Nightclub / Restaurant owned by Ben Ardito - free of charge. A point of fact that certain other organizations should take note of. As a further point of fact, I want you readers out there to know that not one RED PENNY of the more than $20,000 raised from ticket sales (678), cash or checks was used or touched for promotion, printing or for musical accompanist during the show. And, the books are open to anyone who would like to see them! Unlike some other organizations in our little village!
The following names may not mean a lot to you as you read them, but they are the people who worked tirelessly to do what some folks said was impossible to accomplish. Here goes the names: (Volunteer committee) Sardelli, Esther Lynn (another columnist), Paul Campanella (entertainer), Lee Michaels, Rick and Mary Vittallo, Rolando Larraz (publisher), Jeanne Brei (entertainer), Robert Ensler, Lou Toomin (political), Ben Ardito, Nicolas L. Mastrangelo (attorney), Robert Allen, Peter Anthony, Linda Glynn, Andrea Gross and yours truly, Norm Johnson. |
We were assisted at the event by the following (some who also performed): (Backstage) Gary Alan (as Jay Leno), Ada Brei, Terry Jenkins (The Orleans), Mary Marshall and Candi Cazau of The Orleans. Assisting Sardelli and keeping the flow of entertainers moving smoothly were Pietra Sardelli and Natalie Flemming. The musical part of the show (the band) consisted of Gary Olds, Danny DeMorales, Jeff Johnson, the legendary Don Hill, Dr. George Ritter, Artie Schroeck, Tommy Deering and Vince Falcone. The above 30 volunteers, not only worked but also donated their $20.00 in cash. The entertainers were magnificent too: Jimmy Hopper was fabulous, Sammy Shore had the audience in stiches as he attempted to climb the stairs to the stage, Rich Little did his Johnny Carson gag, Bill Nolte was great, Pete Barbutti killed 'em with his whimsical recall, Earl Turner (who had a health scare recently) sang a wonderful song, Dennis Bono and wife, Lorraine Hunt, did a beautiful duet, Steve Rossi performed his four minutes of rapid jokes and, believe it or not, Peter Anthony did eight minutes and got off stage. The odds backstage were that someone would have to go yank him off - never happened! The Las Vegas Tenors (I call them the Four Tenors) received a standing ovation following their two arias, Charlie Callas made it on the stage with his jokes, Bill Acosta did some great impressions, Gerry McCambridge ran a little over with his Mentalist act (but it was worth it), Michaelina Bellamy hit her notes, Ronny Rose (he stood outside at the long line and sold $400 worth of CD's, which was donated to the fund), Kathleen Dunbar was really funny, Linda November was just wonderful, Felix Silla delivered the envelope just as rehearsed, Loretta St. John, Genevieve and Jeanne Brei all sang beautifully, Linda Angeline was Marilyn Monroe, Frank Grata as Rodney Dangerfield entertained the line of ticket buyers as did Roy Hammock as Willie Nelson, Chef Chas LaForte proved that he never has to worry about a job (the voice will always keep him busy), Jerry Lopez & Santa Fe And Fat City Horns just blew the house away. The closing act was none other than Clint Holmes. Unfortunately, I was unable to stay and witness the closing, but I heard it was received by the audience as only a Las Vegas audience can do - a thundering standing ovation. I left the benefit early to attend the funeral of Nikki Goulet, my best buddy Robert Goulet's daughter. Nikki passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. What a loss! Well, gang, that's about it for this week. I'm outa here!
|
|
