Jerry Fink

Entertainment Reporter

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Joe Perry: Steven Tyler has quit Aerosmith: Tyler, 61, suffered broken shoulder in fall from a stage in August; Friday, Nov. 6, 2009; Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry said today that singer Steven Tyler quit the band following a recent concert in Abu Dhabi. Bassist Tom Hamilton told the Boston Herald’s Inside Track that there is dissension among the “Bad Boys From Boston,” but that he hopes things can be worked out. He dismissed a report that guitarist Brad Whitford discussed the possiblity of Aerosmith finding a new frontman. However, Perry told the Las Vegas Sun today that he believes Tyler is history.
Former ‘Idol’ joins her childhood idols: Friday, Nov. 6, 2009; When “American Idol” finalist Jasmine Trias was growing up in Hawaii, her parents sometimes took her to see one of Honolulu’s most acclaimed show bands — the Society of Seven.
Country singer plans ‘intimate’ show as a thank-you to fans: No band, just Jo Dee Messina and her guitar; Friday, Nov. 6, 2009; The audience controls the show when Jo Dee Messina performs.
Multi-genre tour heading to downtown's Beauty Bar: Songwriter seeks to provide break from concert protocol; Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009; Songwriter Chuck Ragan is trying to find a rhyme for Ogallala. He’s stuck on a bus, stranded by a blizzard in the Nebraska panhandle. “It’s not so bad,” he says. “Really, I couldn’t ask for more under the circumstances."
Trombones – 100 of them – to show fun, serious sides: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009; The 25th edition of UNLV’s “76 Trombones + 4” might be dubbed the “funny bones” concert.
Station Casinos scales back free live entertainment: Monday, Nov. 2, 2009; Station Casinos has long been a champion of live entertainment. When major resorts on the Strip pared down free live shows over the past decade, Station steadfastly resisted the trend. But the harsh realities of today’s economy have forced the company, which has filed for bankruptcy reorganization, to cut back.
Entertainment Guide for Station Casinos: Monday, Nov. 2, 2009; The following is a list of mostly free entertainment, beginning in November, at Station Casions around the Las Vegas Valley.
20 years later, Madame puppet hasn’t lost her outrageous edge: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009; Sex-crazed puppet Madame returns to Las Vegas for a one-night stand.
The actor, ballplayer in him: The country star talks about future projects, his youth; Friday, Oct. 23, 2009; Country superstar Tim McGraw calls on his cell phone from Nashville while on his way to Jersey Mike’s Subs to pick up sandwiches for his daughters. We don’t start by talking about music or tonight’s show at the M Resort or about acting with Sandra Bullock in the upcoming film “The Blind Side.” We talk baseball.
Expect an unexpected Kreskin sighting: Illusionist will appear at the AARP gathering, but when is a surprise; Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009; You won’t find the Amazing Kreskin on the impressive list of celebrity speakers for the AARP convention in Las Vegas.
She cried when Old Yeller died: Henderson actress who starred in heart-breaker has a new book 45 years in the making; Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009; My vote for the most tearful movie of all time goes to “Old Yeller,” the 1957 film about a stray dog that adopts a family and in the end contracts rabies and must be shot.
Jazz saxophonist to heat up room at Santa Fe Station: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009; Saxophonist Michael Lington’s jazz roots run deep. His grandfather, composer and director Otto Lington, helped bring jazz to Scandinavia in the 1930s and led bands behind Fats Waller and Josephine Baker.
'God Lives in Glass' — from children’s lips to Las Vegas stage: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009; What began as one man’s effort to find solace for his children during a time of stress has grown into a full-scale musical concert that brings comfort to many.
One who knew Garth Brooks before fame says he’s still the same: Monday, Oct. 19, 2009; Country superstar Garth Brooks could fly to Paris for dinner at Le Cinq, but he prefers to drive down the road to Taco Bueno.
A face of recovery: Sarah Todora is singing again. With her dad, she’s also helping women who suffer with addiction as she did.; Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009; When she was just 17, Sarah Todora’s talent was beyond compare. She sounded like a much older blues singer. Loaded with all that talent, looks and ambition, the teenager landed in Las Vegas determined to forge a career. Her stairway to the stars seemed like a runaway escalator.
Freakin’ Frog swings with music that influenced rock ’n’ roll: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009; The Freakin’ Frog is hoppin’ to heart-pounding performances by the Swingin’ Pedestrians.
In Primm, country knockoffs fit right in: Monday, Oct. 12, 2009; Primm seems to have become its own entertainment universe featuring a galaxy of stars who perhaps don’t shine as brightly as they once did.
Springer hosting talent, not ﬁghts: Friday, Oct. 9, 2009; Every six months or so Jerry Springer likes to take a day off, he says.
Frank Caliendo: Who will you hear?: Madden. Pacino. Obama. Impressionist jazzed for his Monte Carlo gig; Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009; Beginning Monday, impressionist Frank Caliendo will try to help fill the comic void on the Strip left by the passing of Danny Gans.
Barry Manilow to leave Las Vegas Hilton, mum on what's next: Final performance slated for Dec. 30; Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009; A couple of months shy of his fifth anniversary at the Las Vegas Hilton, Barry Manilow will end his engagement in the showroom that Elvis made famous.
Singer who loves honoring other groups to take stage with own: Lettermen founder wants Vegas spot for his Hall; Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009; Tony Butala, the founder of the Lettermen, had a dream in Las Vegas more than 45 years ago. He wanted to find a way to honor vocal groups. Butala was having a late-night dinner with George Burns, Jack Benny and several others at the Riviera when he recognized a bus boy who had been lead singer in a group that had a hit record three years earlier.
Ventriloquist Ronn Lucas winding up gig at South Point: It’s one of showbiz’s oldest acts. It gives the appearance of a lively cast of characters, but the special effects are all the performer’s. The most popular of these one-man shows began in Texas.; Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009; Texas is known for oil, cattle, the Alamo — and ventriloquists. Three of the top ventriloquists who regularly perform in Las Vegas hail from Texas. Terry Fator and Jeff Dunham, both in their 40s, are from Dallas.
Renaissance men — and women — to feast on fair’s traditions: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009; Like a scene out of Mark Twain’s “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court,” festivalgoers will step through a time warp at Sunset Park this weekend.
Carlos Mencia doesn’t care if you’re offended — as long as it’s funny: Monday, Oct. 5, 2009; Carlos Mencia pulled the plug on his sitcom “Mind of Mencia” on Comedy Central.
Youthful mentalist a magician at reading minds: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009; At 24, Luke Jermay is a veteran magician, mentalist and author with dozens of books and thousands of performances under his belt.
No signs of slowing down: Bahamas native and Vegas resident has new album, ongoing gig with Neil Diamond; Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009; Percussionist King Errisson tried “four walling” at a downtown Las Vegas casino a few years ago and lost $40,000 in four weeks. He decided he’d stick with his regular gig, in Neil Diamond’s band, rather than renting performance space.
Chazz Palminteri's 'A Bronx Tale' a tale of toughness: Actor, playwright based his work on an act of real violence; Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009; Actors look for motivation.
“Starvation was mine,” says 58-year-old Chazz Palminteri, dressed casually in black slacks, shirt and slippers.
‘Phantom’ director on show’s heady early life, future in Vegas: Monday, Sept. 28, 2009; It’s easier, and take less space, to name the Broadway hits producer and director Hal Prince has not been associated with than to list the ones that he has.
For country singer Aaron Tippin, flying was first career choice: Friday, Sept. 25, 2009; Country star Aaron Tippin is full of contradictions. Most country performers prefer beer and pickup trucks. Tippin owns a winery and flies airplanes. While many entertainers burn the candle at both ends, the 51-year-old Tippin is into nutrition and bodybuilding.
From governing halls to performers’ Hall: This year’s inductees include a former lieutenant governor; Friday, Sept. 25, 2009; A politician will be among those inducted into UNLV’s Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame today.
Locals honored for breaking a color barrier — in stunt work: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009; The fight for respect and recognition never ends for Willie Harris of Las Vegas.
It’s not just music that keeps Gino Vannelli busy: He’s writing — a novel, opera and cookbook; Monday, Sept. 21, 2009; Gino Vannelli stopped by Las Vegas Hilton last week to prepare for this week’s concert and caught Cheap Trick’s “Sgt. Pepper Live!”
Backstage action, drama will move out front in musical: Friday, Sept. 18, 2009; Michael Kessler and Melinda Jackson have the world at their feet.
'Bodies' offers education with its skinless anatomy lesson: Exhibit features more than 260 full body, organ and partial body specimens; Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009; Las Vegas offers two types of body exhibits – with or without skin.
Pink Martini: No boundaries of sound: Eccentric and eclectic, orchestra blends genres — and languages; Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009; If film director Federico Fellini had created a band, it would be Pink Martini, a genre-busting orchestra from Portland, Ore. The group was founded by classical pianist Thomas Lauderdale, who grew up loving everything from Chopin and Hungarian folk songs to Scott Joplin and the soundtrack of “Midnight Cowboy.”
Your usher at 'Lion King?' He really did meet the Beatles: Former radio DJ claims he introduced fellow Australians to Fab Four's music; Monday, Sept. 14, 2009; Barry Ferber owns a small piece of Beatles history. The 65-year-old former disc jockey lays claim to being the first person to play the group’s music on the radio in his native Australia.
Relatively new to stand-up, Jon Lovitz will try hand on Strip: Friday, Sept. 11, 2009; Compared with Louie Anderson, comedian Jon Lovitz is a lightweight. Lovitz will be filling in for the hefty Anderson at the Excalibur while Anderson takes a couple of weeks off beginning Sept. 15.
You can't hurry love — or music: Former Supreme Mary Wilson’s new album is five years in the making, will reflect ‘life and life’s issues’; Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009; It’s been a long time since Mary Wilson, the former Supreme, has recorded an album.
Her stature supplies jokes, but also stories: All of 3-foot-6, comedian will bring well-received act to Las Vegas; Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009; Comedian Tanyalee Davis is a little woman who gets big laughs. The 3-foot-6 native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a polished performer who will do five minutes at the drop of a hat — on the subway, in the washroom, at Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland. Her routine is a blend of jokes, observations and life stories. She humorously forces audiences to face their biases about people who are different from the norm.
Show packed with U.K. talent to take the Orleans stage: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009; One of Elton John’s favorite bands — the Overtures — heads the lineup of “Britain’s Top Talent,” a variety show coming to the Orleans this weekend. Leading up to the Overtures are five acts including magician-comedian Paul Zenon, yo-yo expert Arron Sparks, baton twirler/acrobat Nathalie Enterline and vocalist Ben Stone, the producer’s son.
The band behind Santana: Friday, Sept. 4, 2009; Latin rock band Santana returns tonight to begin its second session as resident headliner at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Def Leppard’s hard rock has survived hard times: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009; Def Leppard has had its share of tragedy — but remains a close-knit family. The metal band, formed in Sheffield, England, in 1977, continues to rock on. "The difference between Def Leppard and the other bands is that Def Leppard really is a band,” guitarist Vivian Campbell said.
Legendary Bill Cosby talks about early days in Vegas: (because he doesn’t need to be censored); Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009; When you interview Bill Cosby, you serve as the catalyst for a comedy routine involving long anecdotes that go off on tangents. William Cosby Jr., 72, really needs no introduction. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he already was a successful comedian when he became the first black star on TV in the hit series “I Spy” in 1965. “The Cosby Show” dominated the airwaves in the 1980s.
Frank Sinatra Jr. will play to a Vegas unlike his father’s: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009; Frank Sinatra Jr. sounds a lot like his old man over the telephone — same intonations and vocal rhythms, sans the Hoboken, N.J., accent.
Trumpeter will serve up jazz with pop, rock flavors: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009; Jazz trumpeter Chris Botti has put down roots. Botti — who will perform Saturday at Aliante Station — accepted the nomadic life while touring constantly for 10 years.

Recently the 46-year-old bought a home in Los Angeles. He’d been daydreaming about making a change, walked into a house for sale, fell in love with it and bought it on an impulse.
Performer Ronn Lucas coming back to valley with new sidekicks: Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009; After headlining at various locations in Las Vegas for eight years ventriloquist Ronn Lucas decided it was time to get out of town for a while.
New impersonator show will have a ‘La Cage’ feel: Monday, Aug. 31, 2009; Frank Marino, the preeminent portrayer of Joan Rivers, says he is showcasing his new female impersonators show at the Imperial Palace this week and if president Don Marrandino likes the production, it may be there for a long time.
Lisa Landry: Not dirty, not clean, her routine is ‘beige’: Monday, Aug. 31, 2009; Comedian Lisa Landry doesn’t have to look far for her material.
Las Vegas resident talks to Joan Rivers about getting rich: Friday, Aug. 28, 2009; On Wednesday, Las Vegas resident James Malinchak tells Joan Rivers how he got rich.
At 76, Joan Rivers still active, still caustic: Q+A: Joan Rivers returning to Vegas for stand-up shows after five years away; Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009; Better living through cosmetic surgery. That could be Joan Rivers’ mantra after more than a dozen operations altering her lips, breasts, nose, stomach, eyes and arms. But doctors never touched her tongue, which remains scalpel sharp.