Columnist Joe Delaney: Thoughts of leftovers and a busy post-holiday weekend

Joe Delaney

Friday, Nov. 26, 1999 | 9:09 a.m.

Joe Delaney's column appears Thursdays and Fridays. Reach him at 259-4066 or joe@vegas.com

Post-Thanksgiving notes: In most homes, Dad will have the day off and the house to himself as Mom and the daughter(s), wearing their black belts in shopping, will head out early for their favorite malls. ... Son(s) usually sleep in so Dad has the remote control to himself for a full day of sports on television with time out during commercials for a foray into the refrigerator for some leftover goodies.

Those who are better organized will begin addressing Christmas cards. ... Las Vegas will be jammed this weekend. ... Show and dinner reservations, especially in the newer hotels, will be all but impossible, unless of course, you happen to be on the VIP list.

The "new" David Brenner will be appearing through Saturday in the Venetian's C2K, LV's megaclub with shows at 9 p.m. ... Brenner now lives in Aspen, happily married, back in top form.

Weekend suggestions

Willie Nelson, appearing at the Orleans through Sunday, is the harbinger for the National Finals Rodeo, which starts Wednesday at the Thomas & Mack Center. ... Vicente Fernandez and Rocio Durcal, superstars south of the border, successful here as well, will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Mandalay Bay Events Center. ... Also on Saturday, Caesars Palace will present "Asia," a Vietnamese-language variety show, 7:30 and 11 p.m., in the Circus Maximus.

The Flamingo Hilton has entered the afternoon show competition with Darren Romeo, "The Voice of Magic," at 1 and 3 p.m., starting Saturday in the showroom. ... The act is described as a combination of singer Bobby Darin and magician Harry Blackstone, both no longer with us.

Singer-musician Buddy Greco and his wife, Lezlie Anders, plus their big swinging orchestra, play for entertainment and dancing, making the Flamingo Hilton showroom a Friday evening place to be.

Belated review

Last Friday those fortunate enough to be in UNLV's Ham Hall for the Performing Arts Center presentation of the New York Voices enjoyed one of the finest musical treats in Ham Hall's distinguished history. ... Peter Eldridge, Lauren Kinham, Kim Nazarian and musical director-arranger Darmon Meader, the Voices, were given superlative support by Andy Ezrin, piano; Paul Nowinski, bass, and drummer Bert Wittman.

"Lady Be Good" was a brilliant, breakneck-paced musical tour de force. ... Their four-voice blend on the Woody Herman classic, "Early Autumn," was the highlight of the first half, portent of an even stronger second half.

"Summertime," Duke Ellington's "Caravan," a definitive reading on "Stardust," and a rollicking "Me and Julio" merited the extended standing ovation that followed. ... It was two hours to be savored and remembered. ... Leslie Nielson's "Clarence Darrow" is next, Dec. 5.

My story

Orphaned at age 5, living with different families, never for more than two school terms, never unwelcome but always an extra, it was not until I moved to Las Vegas permanently in 1962, at age 40, that I actually lived in a house that I could call my own. ... Roberta and I were married here in 1964. ... We started with two children apiece, from previous marriages. ... Our daughter, Kathleen, was born here in 1965.

During these past 35 years, working in the various media -- this is year 33 with the Las Vegas Sun -- has given me roots and a sense of community plus an opportunity to participate in the area's growth.

The late Monsignor Charles Shallow recruited me for what is now called Catholic Services of Southern Nevada. ... For 25 years, on Thanksgiving and Christmas, I worked the serving line at St. Vincent Dining Room. ... Arthritic fingers ended my coffee-serving career.

My plea

LV's best sports host, Lee Pete, Davey Pearl, Lou Tabat and the late Morrie Brodsky were other St. Vincent holiday regulars along with the Treniers and many stars of the Strip. ... It was a way of letting others less fortunate know that people who did have homes and families were willing to take time away and spend it with others less fortunate.

Catholic Services, the Salvation Army and the original LV Rescue Mission serve the needy every day of the year. ... If you can't serve on the holidays, send a check to the one of your choice. ... It would be even more rewarding if you would do both, serve and send a check. ... See you next Thursday.