by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

Well, gang, it's getting closer and closer to the day the old guy in red will come down your chimney (or through your front door), and hopefully leave a bundle of "Peace, Joy and Goodwill" for everyone in your family. Just a reminder, next week's column will have my very special gift wish for certain men and ladies of importance to me in this little village and elsewhere.

Now down to some news. Attended the Nelson Sardelli gathering that took place inside "Take 1 Restaurant" at 7th and Fremont Street, in beautiful downtown Las Vegas. I would venture to say there were about 140 men and women (always beautifully attired by the way) who attended the annual Christmas luncheon hosted by the "Everyone is a President" organization, F.I.O.R.E. (which stands for Fun Italians Organizing Ridiculous Events). It was one heck of an affair, with all kinds of goodies given away by the Number Uno President, Nelson, and his beautiful daughter, Pietra (all prizes are donated to the group by other Presidents, etc.). This is and remains a fun event. There are no egos here, like in some other organization which will remain un-named during this particular time of the year (unless I get a nasty e-mail). Entertainment was furnished by the members, such as long-time resident, entertainer and one of the founding fathers of another organization "The CAST," (which is having major problems these days) Freddie Bell. Just about anyone can join this fun group, which meets once a month at the Take 1. It only costs $1.00 to join for those under 75 years and $20 a year membership fee. Luncheons (except on special days) are $20 for members. And, Dan Ardito (owner of Take 1) always makes sure the food is wholesome, hot and plentiful. He's a hands-on proprietor! If you are interested in meeting a group of fun people (oh, yeah, you have to be Italian or non-Italian in order to join) I will have a notice in my column for the January meeting date, when I learn it.

Attended Media Night at the new Company American Bistro inside the Luxor Hotel & Casino the other evening. It's located adjacent to LAX Nightclub and is owned by Pure Management. Three of the celebrity investors are Nicky Hilton, Wilmer Valderrama and Nick Lachey.

The interior gives off a rustic feel, what with the use of soft colors throughout, while offering diners a contemporary twist on classic American entrees. We, personally, enjoyed the samples that were abundant during the early evening event. Company encompasses more than 10,000 square feet featuring a fireside lounge surrounded by aspen trees and hurricane lamp candles. The Main dining room is highlighted by a state-of-the-art wine wall and silver-leafed chandeliers, with custom made high-back leather chairs and cozy couches. It is truly comfortable, gang, I promise!

A team of talented chefs, led by Executive Chef Adam Sobel, formerly of Restaurant Guy Savoy, will dish up a wide range of tantalizing entrees giving patrons a coast-to-coast taste of America. Cooking by seasons and using the freshest ingredients available will enable Sobel and his staff to offer an innovative and diverse menu with twists on traditional recipes. Company American Bistro is open nightly from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Reservations are suggested.

Now down to someone I really enjoy watching on a stage anywhere, having been keeping an eye on this young lass since she was in her teens growing up in a slew of Las Vegas lounges a while back. The other evening I saw Ms. Kelly Clinton perform for more than 80 minutes in the Main Showroom of the Suncoast Hotel & Casino, before a great audience. And there was not a dull moment. The girl has come a long way from the skinny tom-boy (her film proves it too) to the Lady she is today. And, what an entertainer. Wow!

Like I said, I've watched her over the years grow in stature and as an entertainer, but what she is doing at the Suncoast every Wednesday (during the month of December) shows just how funny and entertaining she can be. Her voice is wonderful and she is as down-to-earth as you will find in this city. As an example: she tripped on the stairs leading back to the stage (she was in the audience singing one of many songs) and turned around with a wide smirk on her face, "What a klutz... Instead of tripping going down I do it coming up... "

The new film, which she and her husband, Mr. Clint Holmes, assembled is really neat. It shows Kelly from when she was a baby to her early days on the lounge scene. I'm sure this will be expanded. A tribute to her mother is one bit of funny stuff only she can pull off and it's hilarious (and her Mom glows when her daughter does it). I truly enjoyed listening to her sing "Joy to the World" and "Lady Day's" (Billy Holiday) "Good Morning Heartache." She tells the story of meeting Wayne Newton and then goes into his persona voice singing the classic "Danke Schoen." It's a great bit of buffoonery. Then it's time for the King himself, "Kelvis" (huh, Elvis in disguise), which is another funny impression. She follows up with a quickie of "Cher" and guest performer Teddy Davey (he of the Las Vegas Tenors) portrays Sonny Bono - another hilarious bit, believe me.

This lady is truly a talent and deserves to be on the big stage. She wrote a crazy song that has sorta become a cult favorite (her cult) and it's titled "PMS Blues." The title tells it all and, gang, this is another classic bit.

Then she gets into this particular Italian character, who she has lived with for a number of years, "Joe Joe," a former lead trumpet player on the Strip, when stages were filled with big orchestras. "This guy actually takes over my performance, and I never know exactly what's going to come out of my mouth. It's like he's moved inside my body and I've lost control of the show."

Sooo, gang, if you want to see a lady with talent that her hero, Ms. Carol Burnett, would be proud to stand up and applaud (as the audience did at the close of the show), then you must catch Kelly Clinton's next two performances at the Suncoast. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 19 and the 26th.

Don't forget to catch the Las Vegas Tenors (I refer to them as The Four Tenors) this Sunday at the Hilton Hotel, with the big show kicking off at 7 p.m. Understand they have signed an exclusive Las Vegas contract with the Hilton to appear once a month in the big room and on special occasions. Couldn't happen to four better guys. And while talking about Bill Fayne (he's the founder of the Tenors), he will join his buddy, Clint Holmes, in the Sahara Showroom beginning this Wednesday for a two week run (Clint's Christmas Show). Another winner and one heck of a talent.

Well, gang, I covered a lot of ground this week. I'll see you at the Hilton this Sunday and the Sahara on Wednesday.

I'm outa here!

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