Columnist Joe Delaney: Gans honored for entertaining Las Vegas audiences

Joe Delaney

Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998 | 11:38 a.m.

Last Sunday evening at 7 o'clock, we presented the Rio's Danny Gans with a special ShowBiz Magazine plaque commemorating 651 shows before more than half a million people in the Stratosphere and Rio combined. ... In addition, it acknowledged his earlier awards as "Entertainer of the Year" and for "Show of the Year." ... We were able to chat afterward.

Gans expressed his gratitude to Bill Cosby and Joan Rivers for prior engagements at the LV Hilton and Desert Inn, respectively, and to the Stratosphere and Rio management for the opportunity to perform, settle here, and live in Las Vegas with his wife and three children.

"After so many years on the road, doing conventions and special events mostly, being gone 200 or more days a year, it's such a pleasure to work in Las Vegas and live at home. I am especially thankful to the people of Las Vegas for their support these past few years."

One more year

Gans' contract with the Rio continues through Dec. 1999, and he made it evident that he intends to fulfill all of his commitments there. ... It was also evident that the price increases that took his Rio showroom ticket tab from $34.95 to a new high of $83, was not of his doing; although he seemed pleased that he was continuing to sell out weeks in advance, even at $60.

Gans did assure me that he is making the same amount today as he was when he started there and the ticket cost $34.95. ... The Rio did offer him an increase which Danny said he rejected, hoping to keep the showroom price within the reach of the average Las Vegan and regrets not being able to do so.

We also learned that a TV sitcom deal is in the work with Spelling Productions, to be filmed in Las Vegas, and there is a recording contract with Sony's Epic label auguring well for him next year and for his continuing success during 1999 at the Rio.

Welcome, NFR

The National Finals Rodeo starts this weekend and the star-policy rundown reflects this: It's Jeff Foxworthy (Bally's); Wynonna and Bob Marley (Caesars); Bryan White, starting Friday (Desert Inn); Carrot Top (MGM Grand); Paul Anka (Mirage); Michele LaFong's Funniest Females (O'Shea's); Danny Gans (Rio) and Bill Engvall (Sahara).

Also starting Friday: Smoking Armadillos (Golden Nugget); Chris LeDoux (Hard Rock); Tim McGraw and the Clark Family Experience (LV Hilton); Lorrie Morgan (Orleans) and Sammy Kershaw (Sam's Town). ... Friday only: Toby Keith (Boulder Station) and Rita Coolidge (Harrah's).

The Rio is putting a big push behind Steve Lippia with the Vincent Falcone Orchestra Orchestra in its new Rio Bamba Cabaret. ... Saturday and Sunday special: Jerry Lee Lewis (Silverton). ... Best Bet: Ricky and the Red Streaks in the Stardust Lounge.

In re O'Day

In additon to her January tour with the Les Brown Orchestra, quintessential jazz singer Anita O'Day will be featured in an upcoming issue of Vanity Fair. ... Verve Records is reissuing her 1960s album, "All The Sad Young Men" and the Sony Legacy label will re-package her classic sides with Gene Krupa and Roy Eldridge on the Columbia label.

More jazz: Friday is Jazz Night at Pogo's. ... Enjoy the Mike Breene Trio, Wednesdays through Saturdays (Santa Fe) plus the Jazz Organ-ization at noon on Sundays. ... Marv Koral's All-Stars are at Carollo's Restaurant, 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Sundays while Don Menza is at the Riviera Mondays.

Include UNLV's production of Tennessee Williams' "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof," this weekend and next, Judy Bayley Theatre, on your must-see list, a real bargain at $8. ... CCSN's Dance Ensemble celebrates the music of George Gershwin, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Cheyenne Campus.

Thursday addenda

CCSN's Faculty Jazz Sextet, plus two student combos, will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Black Box Theatre, Cheyenne Campus. ... The Rainbow Company's "Oliver" opens Friday at 7 p.m. for two weekends, Charleston Heights Center. ... Dwight Yoakum's fiddler Scott Joss and his band will play for the NFR parties, starting Saturday at the San Remo.

Golden Rainbow's "I'll Be Here With You" entertainment benefit takes place at 2 p.m. Sunday, MGM Grand's Center Cabaret. ... Call 394-2899 for tickets. ... See you Friday.