Gang, this has been and will be a busy week in our little village. First off the annual Induction Ceremony for the Casino Legends Hall of Fame at the Tropicana takes place Sunday (Halloween) afternoon; The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) will wrap up its second visit to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sunday afternoon, and we visited two totally different shows.
Let's go in order beginning last Tuesday at the Horseshoe, downtown. Vinnie Favorito, as previously reported, has been one of my favorite comedians ever since I first watched him on the stage at the Comedy Stop back in the early 90's. The smart publicity people at Harrah's (who now own the downtown property) jumped at the opportunity to have a media event so they could introduce Vinnie and also let everyone know who owned the vintage and historic hotel. And, they selected the perfect location for the reception: "Binions" Steak House located on the 24th floor. In the 60's and into the 80's it was the Mint Hotel's famous steak room, offering an un-cluttered view of the valley. This is the same room our Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt once worked as a beautiful singer. It still offers a wonderful view, but is now somewhat obstructed by a slew of tall buildings. The food was terrific and it will always remain one of my favorite rooms.
Vinnie was never as hot as he was this evening. Known for his rapid fire monologue, quick one-liners and finding targets in the audience to pick on, he was at the top of his game. Vinnie is the first headliner to ever work a room under the banner of the Horseshoe. However, because of where his comedy room is located (where the old Mint Hotel was before it was sold to the Binions) technically he is not the first star to work there: Back in the late 60's the Mint booked such stars as the late Marty Robbins, Buck Owens and a slew of other top country stars. Anyhow, back to Vinnie. He loves to play off world events and that's what makes his show different than most stand-up comedians. His show is never the same from one day to the next. And God help you if he finds you in the audience, because your life will undergo a tremendous change for the next hour (or depending on when he spotted you). Favorito pulls no punches. One could compare him to a gravel-voiced Don Rickles with very little passion (not much mind you!). Like one of his friends from the old day on the comedy circuit, Ray Ramano, Vinnie is destined for big things. I honestly predict that! Showtimes for the Vinnie Favorito Show are Tuesday through Thursday at 8 pm. with an extra 10 pm. show on Friday and Saturday. If you like to laugh endlessly, then head downtown. You'll be really glad you did!
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Next stop was Wednesday evening at the new nightclub Krave, next door to the Aladdin Hotel on Harmon Avenue, where a Media / VIP presentation of "The Fashionistas" was held. I would really like to report that this is a "must see show" for everyone. Unfortunately that is not the case. You better have a very clear mind, not be opinionated or easily offended when it comes to sexual innuendos. The very loose story is centered on a beautiful tall lady named Jessie (Marceea Moreno) and her attempts to seduce a famous fashion designer, Antonio (Enrique Lugo). She is the brains behind a fetish fashion company owned by Helena (Kelly Adkins), the lady in red. The story goes on for nearly 90 minutes. What is terrific, however, is the dancing by both the fabulous looking ladies and men. The show has been beautifully choreographed by Lugo and Las Vegas veteran Nick Navarro. So, if fetishes are your thing? If great dancing with very little story line is your thing then maybe, just maybe this production by adult video mogul John Stagliano is your cup of tea. Call Krave at (702) 836-0833 for showtimes.
The NHRA began running down the 1/4 mile dragstrip at The Strip yesterday (Thursday) as the annual ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals began its four day stand. The Budweiser Shootout, pitting the top eight fuel racers against each other for a $100,000 pot, will be held Saturday during qualifying runs. The final day is Sunday.
One of the best afternoons I spend each year is at the Tropicana Hotel in October at the Tiffany Theatre. That's where veteran entertainers who at one time or another worked in our village are recognized in a very lovely ceremony. It's when they get inducted into the Las Vegas Casino Legends Hall of Fame. Most of the inductees from the past and present were responsible for creating the term "Entertainment Capital of the World." And, at one time Las Vegas was just that, believe me.
This year it comes on the last day of the month, and what a list it is: Debbie Reynolds, Ben Vereen, Sheena Easton, Jack Jones, Patti Paige and Tempest Storm. Hosting again this year is one of the really nice guys and one heck of an entertainer, Clint Holmes. Unfortunately the general public may not attend as it's by invitation only. These are very possibly the most in demand tickets on the strip. The Tropicana and its staff put 110 percent behind the presentation. What is really nice is you, the public, can see a lot of the inductees history and memorabilia in the Hall of Fame section of the hotel.
Well, gang, that's it for this week. I'm outa here!
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