The following is a summary of the shows and lounge acts my wife and I
saw during our 2/5-19th vacation.
Bette Midler impersonator show @ the Fiesta-Rancho. Brenda Miller
performed as the Divine M. This was the first and worst show of our 2-
week trip. Ms. Miller's singing was not at all that convincing and
too much time was devoted to messing up the hair of audience (male)
members. Yours truly was pulled from the audience to serve as the
Divine M's dance partner for one song.
www.rancho.fiestacasino.c...3&pid=1225
Sixties Mania @ Castaways. This show band from Australia performs
almost 3 hours of high energey music and dance 5 nights a week. We
found the group's strength to be the variety and range of the music
performed rather than the individual impressions. According to a
recent Las Vegas Sun article (see below), the group has been extended
at least through the end of March. Highly recommended.
pub18.ezboard.com/flasveg...D=59.topic
www.lasvegassun.com/sunbi...+Castaways
Van de Guzman @ the Windjammer Bar @ Castaways. We enjoyed Van's
performances several years back @ the former Vacation Village so it
was quite a surprise to find him playing @ the Castaways. He has a
wonderful voice and is a virtual one-man band. He accompanies himself
on the keyboards as well as the tenor, alto and soprano sax, clarinet
and flute. Catch him while waiting for the Sixties Mania show to
begin. Performances W-Su from 3:30PM 7:30PM.
Larry G. Jones @ Fitzgeralds. The man of 1002 voices is a truly
gifted and funny impressionist. He deserves a better showroom. Show
is free with the purchase of $3 drink.
www.lasvegasacts.com/
Neil Diamond impersonator show @ the Fiesta-Rancho. Bobby Garrett did
a very creditable job in this tribute show. The absence of a band
detracted, but we enjoyed the performance. Note: this series of
impersonator shows is currently being rotated throughout all the
Station and Fiesta-branded casinos.
The Letterman @ the Suncoast. This trio performs all its original
50's hits plus more during a 90-minute performance. The group's act
is kept vibrant by the inclusion of a number of solo performances by
the current members (only 1 is an original).
Savoy Brown @ the Railhead @ Boulder Station. I love this venue, but
this English blues/rock group was just too loud for my taste. 2
minutes and we exited
.
Michael Kennedy @ Ho. This Elvis impersonator was highly
entertaining, but you would never confuse his singing with a
recording. He performs for approximately 1 hour Su-Th @ 2PM and 5PM.
Arrive early if you want a chair because this small lounge was packed
on the afternoon we attended. www.westwardho.com/michael.aspx
Lamar Harris - aka the Hat Man - immediately followed Michael Kennedy
@ the Ho. We saw him several times back 5-10 years ago and his act
has not changed all that much. He hands out an impressive play list
that is heavy on funky country songs. Lamar memorizes the names of
everyone in the audience and incorporates them into his songs. Catch
him 6PM-midnight M-Sa.
www.lamar-harris.com/
Huck Daniels Review this group jams @ the Stratosphere every Monday
night beginning @ 10PM. The lead singers currently are Lawrence T and
Pitty Pat. Both singers were excellent and their interpretation of
Motown, R&R and blues standards was a real treat.
www.lionhartproductions.c...ANIELS.htm
Big Elvis @ Barbary Coast. Pete Vallee's voice is excellent and we
found him to be a gifted entertainer. A new website is in process of
being developed.
www.lasvegassun.com/sunbi...99851.html
Phil Shane @ the Tropics Lounge @ the Tropicanna. Phil is a
sensational performer who gives 100%. He performs for 4.5 hours
without a break each W-Su beginning @ 8PM. This night we caught the
initial 2.5 hours of his performance. His play list included songs
recorded by Charlie Rich, Neil Diamond (many), Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis
(many), Roy Orbison (several), Conway Twitty, Coasters, Eddie
Cochran, Paul Anka, Bobby Darrin, Del Vikings, Bobbie Helms, Big
Bopper, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, Jimmy Buffet, Kingston Trio, Bob
Seeger, Rickie Van Shelton, Otis Redding, Lee Greenwood, Wilson
Pickett, Tom Jones and Del Shannon. This guy is not to be missed, but
be forewarned he is accompanied by prerecorded music.
www.philshane.com/
Huck Daniels Review Brendan's Pub @ the Orleans. This place rocked
from start (delayed due to a Laker's game) to finish. If these guys
can't get you clapping and tapping your toes, you are either
clinically dead or musically challenged.
Elton John impersonator show @ Fiesta-Rancho. What can I say other
than it was free.
Righteous Brothers @ the Orleans. After a one year stint @ the LV
Hilton, these recent inductees into the R&R Hall of Fame are back
performing their hits at the Orleans. Fans should not miss them.
Note: A coupon for 50% off showroom tickets is included in the
Orleans funbook.
Phil Shane @ the Tropicanna. We went back on a Sunday night for
another 3 hours. His performance this evening was entirely different
from the one we enjoyed just 4 nights prior. Phil actively seeks
audience requests and a large group of fans from Long Beach, CA
obliged by bringing along a long list. These plus other audience
requests made up 90% of this evening's performance. Some night, after
much rest, we are going to stay for the entire 4.5 hours