by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

Revisited one of the really nice guys in showbiz, Gordy Brown who headlines in the same room "The Man" Frank Sinatra once starred in, at the Golden Nugget the other evening. What a pleasant visit it was too.

The friends who accompanied me were really astonished at just how good he is as an entertainer. They knew (having read my column) that I believed he was going to be the next Las Vegas Superstar. Now they agree having sat on the edge of their chairs for the 90 minute show.

Brown is not just an impressionist, nor is he just a comedian or a singer. He is all those things plus much more. He is a sincere young man who works his butt off to make sure his comedy impressions come across as just that. Of course they are not all funny-he does some very serious impressions such as his Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn from "On Golden Pond" or the Louis Armstrong bit. Gordy works freelance on stage-by that I mean he'll improvise his show once he sees how the audience is reacting. Instead of doing a Joe Cocker bit, he may replace it with a Jack Nicholson impression or a Michael Fox. Brown does have a certain number of set in cement impressions but the rest can be changed on a moments notice. He's also a fabulous singer in his own right.

All I can say, gang, is that if you want to see the next Las Vegas Superstar (to be honest he's almost there already) in the making, then head downtown to the Golden Nugget and spend a wonderful evening with a truly nice guy named Gordie Brown. You'll be glad you did!

Stopped by to visit with a fabulous gal and great entertainer named Kelly Clinton at Turnberry Towers the other evening. It was a special night as Kelly had been named Entertainment Director for the Stirling Club, and all her friends wanted to celebrate with her. Some of those who stopped by to sing a song or play the piano included Don Soffer (her boss), James Caan (who played the piano with Kelly), Clint Holmes, Sheena Easton, Lani Misalucha, Frankie Randall, Penn Gillette, Gail Steele (Clint's sister), Frank and Chrissie Scinta, Nelson Sardelli, Lance Burton, Gordie Brown and Cook E. Jarr to name just a few. Kelly will be singing on Friday and Saturday evenings (for members and guests only) and will book talent for the room from Tuesday through Thursday. It was a terrific party for a nice gal.

This year's "Merry Christmas Las Vegas" show will be held Sunday, Dec. 5 at the Stratosphere Hotel beginning at 2:00 pm. Hosted by Tony Sacca (who has been proclaimed by the city as Entertainment Ambassador of Las Vegas) the show will star Gordie Brown, Lena Prima, Sandy Hackett, Denise Clemente, Society of Seven, Sonny King, Lisa Miller, Mark Massimino, Helen Joy's Young Entertainers and the group from the Greek Isle who performs a tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean. All proceeds from contributions (suggested donation $25) will go towards the expenses for the Young Entertainers and Tony's trip to our nations capital to entertain inside the White House on Sunday, Dec. 12th in the morning, and again that evening in front of the Christmas Tree and Monday morning at the Washington Monument. This is really a great way to show the country that "what happens in Las Vegas does not have to always stay here!"

How about that Kurt Busch, huh? Even though he and his family have moved to the South (where 95% of the NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch teams live) he is still a Las Vegan at heart. When the television commentators mention his name (which is a lot during a race) they say "Las Vegas native Kurt Busch." Well, the kid (he's 26) did what very few thought was possible... to win the Champion's ring in only his fourth fulltime season in the Big League. It takes not only a great driver to win a title but a whole lot of luck and a sponsor who will stay with you through thick and thin. And, probably more important than anything is the team behind the driver... starting with the owner of this team Jack Roush and a crew chief like Jimmy Fennig. Anyhow, gang, you'll get a chance to show just how proud we are (the fans from Las Vegas) of our champion when he appears downtown at a special celebration at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5 at the Fremont Street Experience. A bunch of Nevada officials will be on hand to bestow honors. The celebration takes place on the First Street Stage near the Golden Nugget.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: Brendan Gaughan, another Las Vegas native who competed as a rookie in the Nextel Cup series, finished second in Rookie of the Year points, driving the #77 Kodak Dodge. His Dodge truck team, sponsored by The Orleans Casino, with driver Steve Parks finished the Craftsman Truck season among the top 10 in points. Brendan did not win a race, but came close a couple of times. So, my predictions did not come true this time. Sue me!