Jerry Fink

Story Archive

Teaching the stand-up guys, gals: Bonkerz Comedy Club offers class to prepare comics, but also to help people face crowds; Friday, May 29, 2009; A boot camp for comedians subjects students to every kind of distraction, from heckling to cell phones, ultimately helping them develop five minutes of material to present at a showcase at Bonkerz Comedy Club at Palace Station.
Back by popular demand: Bootlegger’s open mic night: Inspired by ‘Cast Party’ event in New York, revue revived with new name; Thursday, May 28, 2009; A popular weekly open mic night returns to the Bootlegger Bistro on Monday. The misnamed “Celebrity Karaoke” was one of the most popular weekly entertainment events in town.
L.A. guitairst Andy Walo holds CD release party at the Sand Dollar: Wednesday, May 27, 2009; The Sand Dollar Lounge, 3355 Spring Mountain Road, will feature a CD release party for Los Angeles-based blues/rock guitarist Andy Walo this weekend.
Impersonator hoping the real Santana will drop by his show: Wednesday, May 27, 2009; Carlos Santana begins his residency at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel tonight.
The Sun asked to talk with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer — but was told “anyone in the band but Carlos.”
Mock rockers of Vegas: Local tribute artists band together to expand opportunities in Entertainment Capital; Wednesday, May 27, 2009; By day, Bob Lomassaro sells BMWs. By night, he’s a rocker.
Like many talented musicians in Las Vegas, Lomassaro leads a double life.
Musicial revue to benefit Liberace Museum: Tuesday, May 26, 2009; A monthly musical revue to raise money for the Liberace Museum debuts this week.
Liberace headed for Broadway?: Tuesday, May 26, 2009; Liberace, who died in 1987, may be poised for Broadway.
Whoopi Goldberg flies in for Encore: After many years away, comedian makes time to speak her mind; Friday, May 22, 2009; Outspoken comedian and talk show host Whoopi Goldberg will be the first headliner to perform in the Encore Theater, which was made dark by the sudden death this month of resident entertainer Danny Gans.
Encore Theater packed one last time for Gans: Friends, family mourn entertainer at memorial service; Thursday, May 21, 2009; As in life, in death Danny Gans filled the showroom. More than 1,000 fans, friends and family members said goodbye to the much adored impressionist Wednesday afternoon at the Encore Theater – which had been his home for barely four months when he died at his house unexpectedly on May 1 of unknown causes. In true Las Vegas style, it was a 90-minute memorial production filled with music and laughter and tears and reminiscing. Gans, 52, spent 15 years on the road before settling in Las Vegas in 1996.
Industry insider steps out onto stage: Best known for writing others’ hits, Randell puts together own Vegas show; Thursday, May 21, 2009; Denny Randell isn’t a household name, except maybe around the households of Frankie Valli, Monti Rock III and others in the music business.
Natalie Cole cancels show because of kidney transplant: Singer to have surgery on Tuesday; Wednesday, May 20, 2009; Natalie Cole has a kidney transplant Tuesday, forcing the cancellation of her planned concert at the M Resort this weekend.
It’s a Motown celebration, straight from Australia, mate: Wednesday, May 20, 2009; Producer Adam Steck is evacuating Australia one act at a time. The crown jewel in his Aussie tiara is “Thunder From Down Under,” the male strip show at the Excalibur, which has been tantalizing the ladies in Vegas for a dozen years.
Disc jockey settles in where love of city, job intersect: Monday, May 18, 2009; You can hear Duncan Payton during the morning drive, the disc jockey playing modern and alternative rock on KVGS, 107.9-FM (Area 107.9), or you can hear his influence as a programmer of smooth jazz on KOAS, 105.7-FM (The Oasis).
Buffett guitarist to take turn in the spotlight: Superstardom was never the goal for this Hall of Famer; Friday, May 15, 2009; Mac McAnally steps out of his backup role tonight for a solo show before 300 fans at Green Valley Ranch’s Ovation Lounge.
Nevada Jazz Orchestra plays Sunday at Winchester Cultural Center: Thursday, May 14, 2009; For the first time in almost a year the 18-piece Nevada Jazz Orchestra will perform a concert Saturday.
Lounge icon hates the city he loves: After a decade-long hiatus, the consummate Vegas comedian Shecky Greene is returning to perform — hopefully, reluctantly; Thursday, May 14, 2009; Sonny King, Bernie Allen and other Vegas entertainers talked about comedian Shecky Greene as an icon of Las Vegas. Former Sun columnist Joe Delaney, too, spoke fondly of the brilliant Greene.
They painted him as a messiah of mirth.
Entertainer uses mob stories as inspiration for first novel: Thursday, May 14, 2009; If there were a cruise ship on the Sea of Tranquility, Carme Pitrello would perform on it.
Benefits set this weekend for earthquake victims and children's heart foundation: Wednesday, May 13, 2009; Hearts may be divided this weekend as two organizations hold concerts to raise money for worthwhile causes.
Mane Attraction: ‘The Lion King’ promises to be an emotionally gripping theatrical, technical triumph; Wednesday, May 13, 2009; The strange musical sound flows out of Buyl Zamma’s throat and chokes me with emotion. My eyes water as I sit awed by the opening number of “The Lion King.”
So you wanna be a (rock) star? Here's a contest for you: Winners to get one-year management contract with modeling and talent agency; Tuesday, May 12, 2009; Aspiring rock stars may have a shot at fulfilling their dreams, thanks to a contest sponsored by the International Rock Star Academy in Las Vegas.
Danny Gans interview to air on TV: Tuesday, May 12, 2009; An interview with Danny Gans conducted seven years ago by local talk entertainer Tony Sacca will air at 5 p.m. Sunday on KTNV-TV Channel 13 in Las Vegas.
Longtime local a drummer first, on-air personality second: KUNV host always knew he’d be a percussionist; Monday, May 11, 2009; John Nasshan’s heart pumps music. Beats and tempos flow through his veins.
'Shades of Sinatra' captures essence of singer's artistry: Thursday, May 7, 2009; Four Vegas crooners put their personal spins on the songs of Frank Sinatra this weekend in the popular production “Shades of Sinatra.”
Frank Marino to play himself for a change: Thursday, May 7, 2009; The only job the 44-year-old entertainer has ever had, he says, was starring in “La Cage,” which abruptly closed in February after a 24-year run at the Riviera.
'Wife Swap' to tape segment in Las Vegas: Wednesday, May 6, 2009; ABC’s hit series “Wife Swap” will tape a segment of its show at the 30th annual San Gennaro Feast this weekend.
Straight man of Allen & Rossi cracks wise just off Broadway: Wednesday, May 6, 2009; After more than half a century of entertaining, Las Vegas singer, comedian and actor Steve Rossi is set to make his debut in an off-Broadway production.
‘Ignite’ heats up Greek Isles: Wednesday, May 6, 2009; “Ignite,” the fire and illusion show that premiered recently at the Greek Isles, has hints of “Bite” — the Gothic vampire musical.
Ky-Mani Marley, Gregory Issacs, Third World, Yellowman headline annual Reggae in the Desert: Event to be June 13 in Clark County Government Center Amphitheater; Tuesday, May 5, 2009; A son of late reggae legend Bob Marley will head the lineup of the 8th annual Reggae in the Desert this summer.
Slayton takes a comedic bite out of the Tropicana: Tuesday, May 5, 2009; Bobby Slatyon, "The Pit Bull of Comedy" who recently left a long-running gig at Hooters, debuts in the newly remodeled Bobby Slayton Room at the Tropicana tonight.
Constant change helps ‘Legends in Concert’ thrive: Tuesday, May 5, 2009; “Legends in Concert,” a fast-paced, energetic show, remains fresh by rotating its stars every four months. “Legends” recently moved to Harrah’s after 25 years at the Imperial Palace. It came to town for a six-week engagement and has become the second-oldest show on the Strip.
Announcer’s future with Leno unclear: Monday, May 4, 2009; “Stuttering” John Melendez laughs nervously when he talks about Jay Leno leaving as host of “The Tonight Show” this month.
Band member: Gans in 'top form' at final show Wednesday: Saxophonist says Gans had recent cold, but had recovered; Friday, May 1, 2009; Danny Gans’ final performance was one of his best. “He did as good a show as he’s ever done,” says Fred Champoux, a saxophonist in Gans’ band for the past nine years.
777th show? McCambridge hopes move to Planet Hollywood will be lucky: Friday, May 1, 2009; Mentalist Gerry McCambridge isn’t superstitious but he says when he moves his popular show from Hooters to Planet Hollywood on May 15 his opening night will be his 777th performance since moving to Las Vegas four years ago.
Free concerts are back at Lake Las Vegas: Tribute rock bands and local jazz musicians to perform through May; Thursday, April 30, 2009; The lakes are alive with the sound of music once again – rock on Fridays, jazz on Saturdays.
Reason to toot his own horn: Las Vegas man brings big band sound to Vegas gig, exports it through trumpets he crafts; Thursday, April 30, 2009; Trumpet player Tony Scodwell is always blowin’ and goin’.
Entertainment dollar goes a long way at Ovation Lounge: Thursday, April 30, 2009; Michael Grimm is part of the eclectic mix of entertainment that keeps the Ovation showroom at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino hopping.
'Jersey Boys' celebrates first anniversary at Palazzo: Anniversary show to support Race for the Cure; Wednesday, April 29, 2009; Time flies when you're having a great time and you won't have a greater time in Vegas than seeing "Jersey Boys," the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Improv theater in new setting, not that it matters: Wednesday, April 29, 2009; Fans of improvisational theater were left with a void when Second City closed up shop last summer after more than eight years at the Flamingo.
Strip musicians to play jazz at after-hours jam at the Bootlegger: Tuesday, April 28, 2009; A trio of "Jersey Boys" band members will head for the Bootlegger Bistro when their show at the Palazzo wraps up its Saturday night performance this weekend.
Good deal for guy with neuroses: Stand-up: Tuesday, April 28, 2009; When Howie Mandel isn’t dealing with his quirks and working on his various projects, he turns to his first love -- stand-up comedy.
Entertaining one another, not the tourists: Monday, April 27, 2009; The “Amos Glick Variety Show”-- a free revue produced by its namesake, a clown with “Le Reve” at Wynn Las Vegas -- takes over the Square Apple monthly, on the second or third Wednesday.
'Elvolution': Classic Elvis, yes, but with modern twists: Friday, April 24, 2009; Burned out and looking for a fresh approach to “The Dream King,” the show he’d been performing in Vegas for more than 10 years, tribute artist Trent Carlini left the Sahara last summer and retooled his act.
'Big John' Mickelson performs at Bonkerz: Thursday, April 23, 2009; Former "Viva Las Vegas" star Bruce Mickelson is performing at the Bonkerz Comedy Club at Palace Station at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. today through Saturday, April 25.
Singer, 79, would not miss late friend’s benefit: Thursday, April 23, 2009; Julius La Rosa, still very much alive and singing, heads the list of guests who will perform at the 20th annual Joe Williams Benefit Concert on Sunday.
Country trio Lady Antebellum has found fame fast: Thursday, April 23, 2009; The young country group Lady Antebellum is on a rocket to success.
Q & A: Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum: Wednesday, April 22, 2009; The Sun recently caught up with Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum when he was in Las Vegas earlier this month for the 2009 ACM awards ceremony at the MGM Grand.
Hootie who? Blowfish lead vocalist goes country: Wednesday, April 22, 2009; You and I know him as the lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish. But at this moment on the other end of the phone, Darius Rucker gets down to talking about his latest career curve -- as a country star.
Vegas veteran, ‘Society of Seven’ singer team up for Hilton gig: Tuesday, April 21, 2009; When two electrifying performers come together on the same stage, it’s a sure bet sparks will fly.
Liberace celebration, tour aim to keep alive part of the soul of Las Vegas: Glittering costumes and jewelry, furs, pianos and cars to take to the road; Thursday, April 16, 2009; Ten years ago the Liberace Museum was the most visited tourist attraction in Las Vegas.
Staying power is no trickery: Penn & Teller on their 35-year partnership, charity, religion, vice and the artistic freedom granted by Las Vegas; Wednesday, April 15, 2009; The magic team of Penn & Teller could not be more different — or more alike. Both are brilliant, always exploring thoughts and ideals and holding firmly to their beliefs of atheism and libertarianism.