Jerry’s Lounge: Todora shoots for stars

By Jerry Fink (contact)

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006 | 7:59 a.m.

Teenaged R&B singer Sarah Tadora has gone from destitution and desperation to a shot at the big time.

The 18-year-old native of Louisiana, stranded in Las Vegas by Hurricane Katrina in August, landed a gig at the Sahara's Casbar Theatre Lounge beginning Feb. 1.

"I'm impressed by her tenacity," Sahara entertainment director Ron Garrett said. "She worked hard to put things together -- and without a doubt she has talent."

Todora's engagement will continue through Feb. 6.

For the most part she will perform in the afternoons, at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. But on Saturday, Feb. 4, she will showcase her talents with evening performances at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Garrett is billing her as "The voice Hurricane Katrina couldn't silence."

Todora and her father, Philip Todora, 43, moved to Las Vegas from Lafayette, La., two days before the hurricane hit the Gulf Coast.

They came here to promote Louisiana musicians, setting up gigs for them locally.

But when the hurricane hit, the musicians scattered in all directions, essentially leaving Philip Todora without a source of income.

Life has been a struggle ever since.

Until the gig at the Sahara, they have been unable to find work.

Todora sometimes performed with Jerry Tiffe on Saturdays at Capozzolis, singing for donations.

With their cash dwindling, the Todora's car was stolen.

Things were bleak until Newport Pacific Records, a local recording company, held a fundraiser in December for the Todoras and the Ernie Cosse family, who also were displaced by the hurricane.

After the event the Todora's received a surprising donation of the use of a luxury condo through June.

And now Sarah Todora has her first real gig in Vegas.

"We talked to her a couple of times over the past few months, but she wasn't quite in a position to put together an actual show," Garrett said. "I'm happy to be able to give her a break."

She has recruited a trio to back her up.

"And she got some help with makeup to give her more of a Vegas look and feel," Garrett said.

He said the show will include some narrative about New Orleans and its traditions.

"I made some suggestions as far as musical content and how she should stage it, but I can only go so far," Garrett said. "I don't want to change her show. I want her to do what she is comfortable with."

Sarah Tadora couldn't be more thrilled.

"It's so cool, so exciting," she said. "Everything that's been happening, it's a confirmation that what my father and I are doing is the right thing."

"Legend" contest resumes

The Imperial Palace's "Be A Legend" karaoke contest kicks off its third year on Feb. 16.

Celebrity impersonators from across the country compete for an audition with the hotel's production "Legends in Concert," which is now in its 23rd year.

First prize in the karaoke contest is $750 and an audition; second is $500; third is $250; fourth and fifth place each win $100.

The contest will be held at Tequila Joe's on Feb. 16, May 18, Aug. 17 and Nov. 16.

For an entry form and contest rules go to imperialpalace.com.

Big Band Bash

Derek David, lead singer of The Platters at the Sahara, soon will be moonlighting as a big band singer on Sundays at the Italian American Club, 2333 E. Sahara Ave.

"The Sunday Swing Show," featuring David and a 17-piece orchestra, debuts at 2 p.m. on Feb. 12.

The afternoon includes dancing and lunch for $29.95 per person.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 317-7752.

Phoenix rising

The rock band Phoenix performs at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays at New York-New York's Big Apple Bar.

The group is led by guitarist Jimmy Crespo, previously a member of both the Aerosmith and Rod Stewart bands.

Others in the group include violinist David Ragsdale, formerly of the group Kansas, and Jamie Borden. Also, Tony Davich, Danielle Bell and former Britney Fox front man Tommy Paris.

Jerry Fink can be reached at 259-4058 or at jerry@lasvegassun.com.