Unique characters take over Addison’s Lounge

Friday, Jan. 9, 2009 | midnight

Courtesy photo

The Klique — made up of Ramon Ibe, Fernando Ibe, Quincy Wade, Manny Violago and Rheanne Guevarra — will impersonate 20 characters Jan. 9-10 in Addison’s Lounge at the Rampart Casino.

To survive as a Las Vegas lounge act, the musicians need to stand out from the crowd.

The Klique does that by impersonating 20 different characters — from the inane, like Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks, to the iconic Elvis.

Both of those characters, and four others, are portrayed by band leader Ramon Ibe. He can croon like Boy George, imitate imitators like Milli Vanilli, and mimics Prince and Willie Nelson.

Ibe summed up the Klique's frequent costume changes and high-energy act like this: "It's hilarious."

The five-member group performs from 8 p.m. to midnight Jan. 9 and 10 in Addison's Lounge at the Rampart Casino, 221 N. Rampart Blvd. The show is free.

"It's like we're in a different world as soon as we hit the stage," Ibe said. "It's a natural high for us, to make people laugh and be happy and party their night away with us. It's exhilarating and we never get tired of it."

Ibe has played guitar with his brother, singer Fernando Ibe, since 1974. The two were raised to be musicians in the band Conchita and Family. Though it was a family band, the brothers brushed fame several times during the city's retro era. He said Conchita and Family opened for Kenny Rogers and The First Edition at the Flamingo Hilton in 1975. The same year, the group opened for Lou Rawls at the MGM Grand.

The Klique also includes Quincy Wade on drums, Manny Violago on keyboard and singer Rheanne Guevarra.

Although they are known for covering hits by Tom Jones, James Brown and Cher, the Klique also busts out a few original songs. Ibe, of Summerlin, said he would like to record in the future.

"Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world," he said. "I wouldn't want to be any place but here. I know a lot of people would trade anything to be performing here in Vegas."

Visit the group online at www.TheKlique.com.