Treniers to be honored Monday

Wednesday, July 2, 2003 | 8:18 a.m.

The legendary Treniers, who have been performing in Las Vegas for almost 60 years, will be honored Monday at a luncheon at the Greek Isles sponsored by The Cast Inc.

The Treniers made its Las Vegas debut in 1948, one of the first black singing groups to appear here. The entertainers' first local engagement was at the Bar of Music, which folded in the middle of their engagement and forced them to take musical instruments and furniture in lieu of payment.

In 1946 the act was the Trenier Twins, with Claude and his brother, Cliff, who died in 1983. There were 10 Trenier children, most of whom performed with the act at one time or another.

In 1948 brother Buddy joined the band and it became The Treniers. Buddy died in 1999.

In the 1950s the Treniers were hot on records and were featured in several of disc jockey Alan Freed's films, such as "Don't Knock the Rock," starring Bill Haley and his Comets.

Tickets for the noon gathering in the Star Theatre are available at the Greek Isles' box office, 737-5540. Tickets are $20 for members of The Cast and $25 for non-members.

Cast spokesman Larry Matzkin said the nonprofit organization soon will announce a date for its first "Cavalcade of Stars," scheduled for the fall.

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