Vegas veteran, ‘Society of Seven’ singer team up for Hilton gig

By Jerry Fink

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 | 2 a.m.

When two electrifying performers come together on the same stage, it’s a sure bet sparks will fly.

Longtime Vegas entertainer Earl Turner and versatile Philippine vocalist Lani Misalucha join forces beginning Wednesday at the Las Vegas Hilton’s Shimmer Cabaret for a show that promises to be as dynamic and inspiring as any in town.

“Lani has a different style and energy,” Turner says. “And you know what I play — I’m old school. Taking these two styles and putting them together should be lot of fun.”

Guaranteed.

Misalucha sang with the Society of Seven for four years, and can switch among opera, rock and pop with ease. She can stop a show with one of her arias.

And Turner’s entire act is a show stopper. He’s a mountain of energy and enthusiasm who puts every ounce of his heart and soul into every performance.

When the Society of Seven ended its run at the Flamingo a couple of years ago, Misalucha joined the group for a national tour and then toured with Arnel Pineda, a popular Filipino singer-songwriter who became lead singer of the rock group Journey.

“It was great success,” she says. “He’s such a great talent and I’m looking forward to another tour with him. I just don’t know when.”

For now, her plate is full with the open-ended run of “Voices.”

Turner was a mainstay on the Las Vegas entertainment scene for years, first in the lounges and then in the showrooms. He performed at the Rio for several years before heading for Harrah’s in New Orleans, a gig that ended with Hurricane Katrina.

He returned to Vegas with his family after the hurricane and kept busy with a long-running show at Palace Station, corporate gigs and performances at Harrah’s properties in Laughlin and other cities.

“We hope to bring back some old-fashioned entertainment, the way it used to be done,” Turner says. “It’s kind of like Donny & Marie, only we’re not Donny & Marie.”

Their backing band includes Walter Cunningham, keyboards and musical director; Tex Richardson, arranger and co-musical director; Chris Coleman, bass; Tommy Steele, sax, flute, harmonica and keyboards; Chandler Judkins, trumpet and keyboards; Jeff Way (who also plays for “Jersey Boys”), guitar; and Darryl Woolfolk (brother of Andrew Woolfolk, an original member of Earth, Wind and Fire), drums.

“I’ve got to have a live band,” Turner says. “Everything is live. If somebody doesn’t play, you’ll know it.”

It will be a fluid show.

“We’re somewhat flexible,” Earl says. “Guest artists can come in and do a spot. If Lani or I have to be gone, someone can fill in for us. The way the show is set up, we don’t have to have a set stage patter for us to do the show.”