One of the finest musicians in Las Vegas, and as far as I’m concerned in the country, opened a special engagement the other night at the Golden Nugget, downtown. Clint Holmes will be performing every Tuesday and Wednesday evenings with show times set for 8:00 p.m. On this particular opening night, May 9, it was also his 71st birthday. Not only was it his opening night, nor that it was also his birthday, but it was also his return to the Golden Nugget, where he performed for a number of years before moving to the Strip. Do any of you remember the shower commercial produced by Steve Wynn featuring Holmes? It was a classic!
The showroom, formerly occupied for a number of years by Gordie Brown (who moved and opens tonight at Planet Hollywood) was packed to the rafters with his family, friends, VIPs and media. It was a perfect night.
The band, under the direction of Christian Tamburr (piano and vibes), was comprised of the guys who were with him on the Strip (most recently): David Ostrem (bass); Jakubu Griffin (drums); Pablo Gadda (guitars), and Rocco Barbato (saxes). It is my opinion that you can’t get any better than these guys. What is really cool when you work for a guy like Holmes (who is so secure with his talent), that he wants to expose the talents of his fellow musicians to his audience. Each member of the band gets a solo spot in the show. And, man, do they swing as solo artists!
Of course, the star of the evening is without any question a guy you just want to hug. He has that down-home, love-ya, kind of charisma that from the second he touches the stage, to the minute he takes his final bow, you realize you have just seen the best there is! Clint does not waste a lot of time talking, after all he only has 90 minutes to sing some 14 songs, including four of his own compositions, of which “Rendezvous” is from his new album of the same name.
His style of presentation is primarily jazz, but he ranges all over the musical score from “I’ve Got a Woman,” (Ray Charles), to “I Wish,” (Stevie Wonder), “Nature Boy,” (Nat King Cole), to “When We Were Young,” (Adele). What Holmes does with the words, and arrangement is what separates him from the usual covers of famous songs. He takes it, twists it, squeezes it for every note, and makes it his very own! When he does stop to explain why he is singing a certain song, it’s because somewhere during his 50 plus years of entertaining, the song has meant something special to him. This is the case when he sings, “If Not Now When.” This is a song he composed while he was undergoing treatment for cancer. As a cancer survivor myself, those words are so important to me and others.
If you don’t know it by now, Clint Holmes is a guy I truly like. As a human being there is none better. As a citizen of Las Vegas there is none quicker to answer a call for help. As a friend I believe he would go out of his way to help if called upon. And, as an entertainer, well what am I going to say. I think many years ago I compared him to two of my favorite entertainers: Sammy Davis, Jr., and Al Jolson (I know you need to google that name), and they were the best of their time.
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:
We helped to kick off the new promotion of a “Summer of SEXXY” at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, last week. In honor of the show’s second anniversary and reaching its 500th performance milestone, the renowned Westgate announced a summer of SEXXY pool parties and promotions at a special VIP and Media party. Producer, choreographer, and lead dancer, Jennifer Romas, and her cast of dynamic ladies, were smartly attired in Sexxy black frocks with a very beautiful diamond necklace spelling “Sexxy.” The party was held on the same floor where the Elvis suite was once located.
Already the “sexxy-est” show in Las Vegas, SEXXY has turned up the heat with three new dance numbers, revamped pre-show entertainment, stunning new props, updated graphics and of course, more bling. In addition, the SEXXY brand has been trademarked and will soon be unveiling new merchandise, including bling tops, caps and posters, that encompass strength, sexuality, intrigue desire, passion, seduction, confidence and empowerment for both men and women alike. Leave your inhibitions at the door as you enter this erotic, forbidden, tantalizing world of everything SEXXY. Featuring a collection of sensual, sexual, fun and enticing vignettes, SEXXY will arouse a standing ovation in one way…or another.
All tickets include taxes and service fees and can be purchased at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & casino box office at 800-222-5361 or online at WestgateVegas.com Guests must be 18 years or older. For more information on SEXXY, please visit www.sexxyshow.com or follow SEXXY on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SexxyShow.
Had dinner the other night at the Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel’s signature fine dining concept, Carve. It has been quite a long time since I last visited the Boulder Highway location, and had dinner, so this was a great opportunity to see what was new. Carve had a totally new menu centered around slow-roasted, 28-day wet-aged prime rib. The savory dish takes center stage on the room’s new menu, which includes a variety of complementary steakhouse classic dishes, including French onion soup, crab cakes and more.
We were escorted to our booth by Maître D’ Joe Nader, who I recognized from another establishment, that is no longer exists. Our waiter, who incidentally, couldn’t have been any better, Roy, delivered our first order, a bottle of Kendal-Jackson and the night was off to a great start.
My friend, Debra, and I both chose the Prime Rib. Mine was the 14 oz. without the bone priced at $18.00, while she chose the 20 oz. Cajon cut with special spices and pan seared at $24.00. Both cuts were perfect and prepared to perfection. I had the Classic Caesar salad (very fresh), while Debra went for the Maryland Lump Crab cakes. The new menu has been re-imagined to offer high-quality steakhouse favorites at value-conscious price points. The Appetizers includes lobster bisque, French onion soup or house shrimp cocktail, as well as the Maryland lump crab cakes, all under $8.00. Prime rib dinner selections include the 10oz. boneless cut ($15.00), the massive 28oz. bone-in cut ($34.00) and more. Included with each prime rib cut is a complimentary house or Caesar salad and side of baked potato, mashed potatoes or au gratin potatoes. Additional selections include Carve’s room favorites, such as chicken Marsala, shrimp scampi, or a daily fresh fish selection. Finish the meal with a classic steakhouse dessert like New York cheesecake, decadent chocolate layer cake and more. We selected the Fruit Cobbler
with a scoop of ice cream. The entire evening was one to remember. Carve is open Wednesday – Sunday at 5 p.m. each night. The restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday. To make a reservation, call 702-856-5425 or visit eastsidecannery.com.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway will pay tribute to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces at the third annual Military and Veterans Appreciation Night presented by Lucas Oil at The Bullring on Saturday. All active-duty military and veterans with valid IDs will be admitted for free on the special evening, which will be highlighted by a 121-lap SPEARS Southwest Tour Series feature and a 75-lap Lucas Oil Modified Series race. Military personnel and veterans will participate in opening ceremonies and be part of the night’s program, which will feature prize giveaways and special appearances.
The Lucas Oil Modifieds will also have a 40-lap B feature, and the night’s racing schedule includes USLCI Legends, Thunder Cars and Bandoleros races. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., and opening ceremonies are scheduled for 6:45 p.m. after the conclusion of qualifying. Saturday’s action is the final of three consecutive weeks of races at The Bullring. The Chris Trickle Classic follows on Saturday, June 3, as the fourth race in a five-week period at the 3/8-mile paved oval. Derek Thorn won a rain-shortened SPEARS Southwest Tour Series feature last April, while Linny White took the checkered flag in last May’s Lucas Oil Modifieds race. Both series will return to The Bullring for the West Coast Short Track Championships on Saturday, Nov. 18. A fun and affordable event, racing at The Bullring features $2 hot dogs and Coca-Cola products and $3 Budweiser beers. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 by calling the LVMS Ticket Office at 800.644.4444 or visiting LVMS.com and are $10 at the gate, and children 12 and under receive free admission when accompanying a ticketed adult.
Well, gang, I’m off to see another great entertainer, Gordie Brown at Planet Hollywood.