Columnist Peter Benton: Sinatra’s life focus of golfing benefit

Peter Benton

Wednesday, May 20, 1998 | 11:26 a.m.

PETER BENTON is a local golfer. His column appears Wednesdays.

THE LAS VEGAS Frank Sinatra Celebrity Classic, a week-long extravaganza hosted by Barbara Sinatra and Wayne Newton, is set next Tuesday through Sunday at Stallion Mountain Country Club.

Proceeds from this celebration of one of Las Vegas' and the world's most unforgettable entertainers will benefit the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center and Las Vegas Opportunity Village.

Unless otherwise stated, all events are free and open to the public.

The schedule:

Tuesday: Frank Sinatra Memorabilia Exhibit Ribbon Cutting and Public Opening, 4 p.m., MGM Grand. Mrs. Sinatra and celebrity guests will officially kick off the tribute to Ol' Blue Eyes with the opening of this unique exhibit, which will be on display and open to the public, all week. Spanning more than 60 years of history, this showcase will feature rare, timeless pieces of memorabilia from all stages of Frank Sinatra's illustrious career.

Wednesday: Sinatra Celebrity Cookbook Signing, 1:30 p.m., Mirage convention lobby. Barbara Sinatra will sign copies of the Sinatra Celebrity Cookbook -- "Barbara, Frank and Friends," a collection of more than 300 favorite recipes from celebrities.

Thursday: The Frank Sinatra Las Vegas Celebrity Classic Pairing Party. Invitation only.

Friday: The Frank Sinatra Las Vegas Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament will get under way at Stallion Mountain Country Club with a 10 a.m. shotgun star.

More than 50 celebrities including Jack Lemmon, Dan Marino, Paul Anka, Joe Theisman, Gregory Peck, Angie Dickinson, Steve Garvey, Bruce Jenner, Chad Everett, Robert Goulet, Jerry Vale, Wayne Rogers and Jack Carter, have committed to play.

Spectators are invited to bring cameras and autograph books and join the gallery (which will include Barbara Sinatra and many other nongolfing celebs) to cheer favorites from the worlds of film, music, sport and entertainment.

Saturday: Day two of the Celebrity Classic, 10 a.m.

In the evening, the MGM Grand will host a black-tie gala in the Grand Ballroom simply titled "Thanks Frank."

This super-charged tribute to the chairman of the board, his music and philanthropy, will be produced by multi-talented Quincy Jones, and will feature performances by Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Vic Damone, Alan King, Paul Anka and Diana Schurr. Each will perform a classic Sinatra song using Sinatra's original arrangements.

Tickets to this red-carpet tribute, which starts with the arrival of celebrities at 6:15 p.m., are available at the MGM Grand Garden Arena ticket office for $200 and $500.

Sunday1: Celebrity Skins Shootout, 10:30 a.m., Stallion Mountain. This two-man team event will feature an entertainer and sports celebrity.

Admission onto the course is free all three days.