by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

As a columnist in this village for a number of years, I have seen good shows and bad shows. Needless to say, if I see a bad show I can usually find something good to say about it. But, should it be a really bad show, then I just pass and go on to another subject. This is what happened the other evening, so I am passing and not writing about it!

But, there are some good things happening in the next few weeks. First on my list is the Las Vegas Tenors, who will be at the Suncoast Casino for the 4th of July weekend. I am glad to report that Teddy Davey, one of the original tenors, had his gallbladder surgery and is recovering nicely, thank you. He will join Bill Fayne and Bobby Black at the Suncoast. In addition, the Tenors will have three special guest stars, starting off with the fabulous Clint Holmes on Friday (July 4). George DeMott, who is a star on the Crystal Cruise ships, and does a fantastic Mario Lanza tribute show, will guest star on Saturday. Chris Coyne, who filled in for Davey at the Las Vegas Hilton, on June 1, will be guest tenor Sunday evening.

Fayne has arranged a very special medley for the weekend, calling it "An Americana Medley." Among the numerous songs will be two very special ones: "America" and our national hymn, "America The Beautiful." In addition, the group will present, for the second time this season, the new "Beatles Medley," including "All You Need is Love" and "Hey Jude."

For further information or reservations, call (702) 636-7111. Tickets range from $22.00 to $44.00 with show time set for 7:30 p.m. each evening.

Had a nice evening at the new Brand Steakhouse inside the Monte Carlo, where we sampled fantastic steaks and wonderful wines. Brand fuses modern fine-dining with elegant nightlife to create the ultimate epicurean experience. It features a really neat open design (if you are at the right table, you can watch people walk by in the casino) and of course it features live DJs every weekend, which transforms the modern steakhouse into a really hot spot. It's open Sunday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight and extends till 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. For reservations call (702) 693-8300.

We rarely use publicity stuff from corporations that are not in the entertainment business or auto racing, etc. It is just too prohibitive. We are making an exception this time, and I think you will agree that it's worth it. Blockbuster Video has a pretty cool program going-on in conjunction with the July 4th holiday, in which they will be raising funds and gathering DVDs for the troops overseas. To this end, Blockbuster Video is sponsoring a "DVDs and Games for the Troops" drive beginning July 1 and running through July 14. Simply go into any Blockbuster store, purchase a new or used DVD (games included), then drop them in a convenient USO drop box on site. Blockbuster will then match the donations and work with the USO to get the titles to the troops. There will be a very special event in North Las Vegas on Thursday, July 3 from 5-7 p.m. to kick off local participation. Families are welcome to enjoy the food, fun and to purchase a $1.00 American Flag antenna ball. The event will be at Blockbuster Video, 1611 W. Craig Rd (corner of Craig and Camino Al Norte). If ever there was a cause to support, this is the one gang!

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: The other evening, Ms. Mary Wilson of the Supremes, was one of the celebrity judges for Miss Black USA 2008, held at The Orleans Hotel. Ms. Kristen E. White, a 27-year-old graduate of Tennessee University and a professional model, was selected the winner... A couple of my friends are running for seats in the Nevada State Assembly this season. I normally do not endorse a political candidate (that's how you lose friends sometimes), but in this case I think it'll be okay. First off the bat is Ron Garrett (Giarratano) who is running for the seat in District 37. I've known Garrett for more years than I want to admit, and he's really a down-to-earth type of guy. Ron is not a politician (as we think of them), but is just a guy who has some time to spare now that he has retired from the hotel / casino business. So if you want someone to represent you in District 37, who is not looking for an easy payday, then I would say Ron Garrett is your type of politician... Next is Lou Toomin who is running for State Senate seat in District 7. Over the years Toomin has been involved in just about every political campaign there was and often comes out a winner. I got involved with him most recently, when he jumped in to help on the benefit for Norman Kaye - he pulled some wonderful strings to get things done and didn't have his hand out either. I like the guy! Next is a very wonderful attorney, who has a tremendous wife and is as honest as the is day long. Thomas G. Kurtz is his name and his wife is Margaret. He is running for Family Court Judge, Dept. Q. Kurtz has been a Clark County attorney since 1983, and has spent the majority of those years practicing law in Family Court. Over the years, he has served as an alternate hearing master or judge in Family Court and the Las Vegas Municipal Court... So, gang, there you have it. I do have three guys who I like and can personally vouch for. The rest is up to you voters out there... Biggest thing is to be sure and vote...

Well, that's about it for this week.

I'm outa here!

CONTINUE ON TO...:
>It's The Norm Article Archives
>Las Vegas News - "Heard Around Town"
>Las Vegas Leisure Guide