Columnist Joe Delaney: Barbutti honors longtime musical friend

Joe Delaney

Thursday, Dec. 10, 1998 | 11:08 a.m.

Pete Barbutti is a longtime Las Vegan, a brilliant comedian, humorist, wit and musician, a good neighbor and an unappreciated treasure here these past three decades. ... Pete was born and raised in Scranton, Penn., hometown for the Dorsey Brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, and Russ Morgan, famed band leaders. ... Music in the Morgan Manner continues, led by son Jack.

Joe Fazzi and Pete Barbutti grew up together. ... Joe played drums with Pete back in Scranton. ... Pete's son Mark is married to Joe's daughter, Andrea. ... Fazzi has a degenerative eye disease; his sight is failing fast. ... Pete, through his travels, has accumulated numerous frequent flier miles.

Recently, Barbutti told Fazzi they were going to play a club in Toronto, an easy date; "We'll rent a drum set in Toronto." ... Fazzi was thrilled at the thought of sitting in with Pete after all these years. ... Little did he dream that Pete had something else in store for him.

First stop, Washington

Both had their passports in order. ... It was in Washington while changing planes that Pete told Joe that they were not going to Toronto, but rather to fulfill a life-long dream of Joe's, to Catania, Sicily, home of Fazzi's forebears. ... Pete was using his accumulated frequent flier miles to fly them first class, LV to Catania and return.

Fazzi had family in Catania -- an uncle, aunt and some cousins -- who showed them around for several days. Four more days were spent in Palermo, then they travelled by train up the Italian coast to Naples, origin point for Pete's family. ... After some days in Naples, it was back by train to Catania to say some fond farewells, then back to Las Vegas, first class.

Pete has never said "No" to any local good cause the past 30 years-plus that we've known each other. ... When I learned of this story, I asked Pete if I could share it with the Sun readers.

Star-policy rundown

Diamond Rio is at Bally's tonight, BR5-49 and The Marericks, Friday and Saturday. ... Elsewhere, it's Clint Black (Caesars); Charlie Daniels Band (Desert Inn); LeAnn Rimes (Hilton); Steve Wyrick (Lady Luck); Neal McCoy (Luxor); Randy Travis (MGM Grand); Ricky Van Shelton (Orleans); Michele LaFong (O'Shea's); and Danny Gans (Rio).

Starting Friday, it's "Riverdance" in the MGM Grand Garden Arena for five shows in three days. ... Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance" continues at New York-New York. ... It would be interesting to see both shows and make a comparison at this point.

The Nashville Network is taping "Prime Time Country" with top guests, through Saturday (LV Hilton). ... Admission is free, but you may need a ticket. ... The National Finals Rodeo concludes Sunday at Thomas & Mack. This has been one of the best competitions to date, outstanding.

Local events

Tennessee Williams' classic, "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" was extremely well received last weekend. ... It continues through Sunday in UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre. ... "Oliver," the musical, continues this weekend, Charleston Heights Center. ... "A Christmas Carol" in a fresh adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel (Summerlin Library this weekend).

The Sons and Daughters of Erin's annual Seniors' Christmas Party takes place Sunday, starting at noon in the St. Anne School's multi-purpose room. ... The meal is served by the Sons and Daughters, and there will be live entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Happy retirement to Father Patrick J. Hayes, an active member of the Sons of Erin all these years. ... It is nice to know that he will continue as "Sunday Help" at LV's Guardian Angel Cathedral. ... Father Hayes has served this area long and well, a fine human being.

Thursday addenda

Two more country music specials: Songwriter comedian Milo Tremley (Riviera Comedy Club) and Ricky and the Red Streaks (Stardust); both acts close Sunday. ... Tenor Madness VI features Rusty Blevins, Patty Cobb, Marc Solis and Bill Trujillo, Sunday at 2 p.m., Winchester Arts Center. ... Support good jazz whenever and wherever you find it.

Try Pogo's on Friday nights; the Santa Fe Wednesdays through Saturdays, plus noon Sundays with The Jazz Organ-ization; Marv Koral and the All-Stars, Sundays from 5:30 p.m. (Carollo's Restaurant) and Don Menza & Friends on Mondays (Riviera). ... Joe Darro is now at Bellagio. ... Safe home to everyone here for NFR, y'all come back. ... See you Friday.