Tireless impressionist Jones deserves promotion

Friday, Nov. 7, 2003 | 8:28 a.m.

But his best impression is that of a hustling go-getter who tirelessly promotes his 5 p.m. show at the Fitzgeralds Events Center's 150-seat showroom, handing out cards wherever he sees a potential fan -- whether on Fremont Street or at a grocery store.

Unfortunately, the talented comedian/vocalist/impressionist will be hustling for a new venue after his performance Sunday.

Anyone who would like to experience the high-energy show that routinely elicits dozens of characters in rapid succession has only three dates left, unless Jones finds another room.

"I am very exicted and enthusiastic for what the future holds for me as well as my family," Jones announced after learning this will be his last week.

Management decided to take the fledgling showroom (formerly a lounge) in a new direction.

Which direction remains to be seen.

The venue, which offers a variety of shows, is still a work in progress even though the reconstructed room has been open for more than a year.

"Divalicious," Fitzgerald's version of an adult-oriented variety show, was short-lived, closing after only a few weeks this summer. Magician Arian Black disappeared earlier in May after eight months. Elvis tribute artist Craig Newell has been replaced by Steve Connolly.

Admission to most of the hourlong productions is the price of a drink ($5.95).

The only ticketed show is "Bobby Ruffin's Tribute to the Drifters" on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, a bargain at $12.95.

Jones, who does a lot of corporate work, has been in Las Vegas for three years.

He moved to Vegas from Los Angeles to pursue his career after surviving melanoma, a particularly aggressive form of cancer. It has been five years since he was treated for the disease, one that doctors said would kill him within three years.

A part of each performance is an acknowledgement of his bout with death and of his faith.

"Most of all I would like to thank the one true God for allowing me to be here tonight," says Jones, whose wife, Lisa, is an ordained minister.

There is a wholesome quality about Jones and his performances, which for the most part are suitable for the entire family (although some mothers may want to cover their children's eyes when the comedian dons a condom cap for one bit).

Perhaps Jones' generally straight-laced format may be a handicap in this particular stage of Las Vegas history. Shows are becoming more adult-oriented.

Even at that, most of Jones' shows are either capacity or near capacity, filled with fans who tend to be patriotic middle-Americans.

Near the end of each show he unfurls an American flag and does a couple of patriotic songs while the audience stands.

In between the closing and the opening, which begins with an impression of Sammy Davis Jr. singing "Candy Man," Jones entertains his fans with a stroll through 50 years of music.

Many of his voices are dead-on; a few miss the mark -- but there are so many of them, if you don't like one, just wait, because another one more to your liking will come along.

Jones does most of the classics -- Louis Armstrong, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Stewart and Rodney Dangerfield, among others.

He also does some unexpected voices -- the Tokens (1962's "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"), the Marcels ("Blue Moon") and Minnie Ripperton ("Lovin' You").

His repertoire at one recent performance also included the singing voices of such luminaries as Wayne Newton ("Danke Schoen"), Chubby Checker ("The Twist") and The Big Bopper ("Chantilly Lace").

Besides doing outright tributes of the performers and their notable songs, Jones parodies the likes of Tom Jones singing "Delilah"; The Platters ("Smoke Gets in Your Eyes") and Jimmy Buffett ("Margaritaville").

Midway through his performance, Jones shifts from singing impressionists to doing stand-up comedy with impressions of such well-known figures as Bill Clinton, Ross Perot and Pee Wee Herman.

With such a diversity of talent, Jones shouldn't have a problem finding another venue -- but then, this is Las Vegas, where you are only as good as your last performance.