Well, gang, a very special friend (I met him about six months ago) will be entering his second week at The LVH Hotel (formerly known as the Hilton on Paradise Road), come this Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Yep, you may have guessed it already. My new friend is Esteban, the master of the acoustic guitar, and he is performing every Thursday and Friday in the Shimmer Cabaret, along with his beautiful daughter, Teresa Joy, on violin. You can also catch him at the LVH for the next two Saturday’s (the 12th and 19th).
As many of my readers know, I have been involved with entertainers, and entertainment, for more than 45 years. I have seen them come and go. One of the best to ever work Las Vegas was Robert Goulet, who in 1982 signed a two-week deal at the old Dunes Hotel, and ended up staying for near two-years. He had the voice, charisma, and was loved by his fans. Esteban is a lot like Goulet in a way: He has the guitar, is absolutely charming in a childish way, and his fans love him, and he loves them. Proof of this is how he will sit for more than an hour, after a 70 minute performance, signing color photographs given away free, CDs or taking a second to pose for a photograph, along with his daughter, Teresa.
But, the show is what I am blown away with. Esteban is well known internationally as one of the finest, classically trained, guitarist in the world today. Most guitar followers know that Stephen Paul (that’s his real name) trained under the watchful eye of the Father of the Classical Guitar, Andres Segovia, and that he was injured in an automobile accident that appeared to end a promising career that was just getting started in the early ‘80s. But, after 10 years of intense therapy, and taking odd jobs to support his family, Esteban returned to the stage, and the rest is guitar history. Now The LVH Hotel has the duo for the next three months (hopefully longer).
Now, to his performance at the Shimmer: It is absolutely mesmerizing in scope, talent and musically. It is perfect in every respect! The introduction sets the theme as the “Man in Black” enters the empty stage waving his 1827 built guitar, and begins to play the classic Beatles song, “Eleanor Rigby,” followed by a short story of a dream he had, and the song from that dream, “Celtic Dream.” Teresa Joy is definitely a wonder to watch as she accompanies her father on her 1725 styled violin throughout the show. A single spot covers Esteban, as he sits center stage and begins to strum a beautiful, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” from the 1940 movie, “Pinocchio.” He and his daughter also perform a magnificent tribute to his idol, Elvis, a medley of love songs including, “Love Me Tender,” recorded in 1956, and the 1961 hit, “Can’t Help
Falling in Love.” Other musical selections include “Runaway,” “Duende,” a medley tribute to Segovia, and of course a rousing rendition of “Malaquena,” as the duos closing song.
This is a show for everyone who loves music, and I guarantee you’ll not be disappointed. Tickets range in price from $19 for locals (with proof of residence), $29 or $39. Call 702-732-5111 for reservations or further information.
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:
Dennis Bono, recording artist, entertainer, and host of the radio show, “The Dennis Bono Show” has signed a new one year contract with Michael Gaughan’s “South Point Hotel, Casino, & Spa on the Las Vegas “South Strip.” “Michael Gaughan has made us feel at home at The South Point. I am looking forward to continuing my partnership for another year with this great hotel and team,” Bono said.
The Dennis Bono Show, performed every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the hotel showroom, presents classic Las Vegas entertainment in a music, talk and variety show format with celebrities performing on “The Las Vegas Strip,” and showcasing new talent making their mark in the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” As a recording artist, Dennis can be heard on XM Radio’s “Siriusly Sinatra”. His CDs are available on www.cdbaby.com.
Land Rover, ThinkFirst Nevada, and professional BMX rider and television personality, Ricardo Laguna, have teamed up once again, on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in an effort to educate young people about the importance of making safe decisions. The event will take place at Land Rover of Las Vegas, 5255 W. Sahara Ave., and kids will have the chance to meet the BMX star, and receive a free helmet from ThinkFirst Nevada. Additionally, Laguna and some very special friends, will put on a BMX demonstration, along with additional entertainment, including a crew of break dancers, featuring Jay R Beatbox. Kids must be present for helmet fitting and helmets are available while supplies last.
The Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities will present the third annual Laps for Charity event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. NASCAR fans and auto enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to drive their personal vehicle around the 1.5-mile superspeedway at speeds up to 75 miles per hour (behind a pace car), all in the name of charity. Think of it: On an off day, you simply can’t show up and play softball at Yankee Stadium or shoot hoops in the new Barclays Center, but you can drive your personal car on the same track that Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski will race on in the Kobalt Tools 400. Laps for Charity is open to all licensed drivers 18 years of age and older, and the entry fee is $30 per vehicle for three laps (you can buy three more laps for just $20). All occupants of the car must be at least six- years of age. The vehicle must be street legal. Drivers must have valid license and proof of insurance. Car clubs and company fleets are welcome to participate.
Drivers may have their picture taken in LVMS’s victory lane for an additional donation of only $10. Food and beverages will be available for sale. The event is sponsored by Las Vegas Motor Speedway, The CW/MY LVTV, Lotus Broadcasting and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. All proceeds from Laps for Charity will benefit the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. More than 800 cars were entered in last year’s event and $32,000 was raised for local children’s causes. Participants may register online at www.scclasvegas.org. For more information, please call Paulette Anderson at (702) 632-8242 or e-mail SCC LV at [email protected].
The first installment of the 2013 MOPAR Midnight Mayhem season will take place at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Friday, Jan. 25, from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Now in its 12th year, MOPAR Midnight Mayhem is The Strip at LVMS’s safe alternative to illegal street racing. The speedway staff encourages enthusiasts to race each other on the safer confines of its NHRA-sanctioned drag strip. Fourteen MOPAR Midnight Mayhem events are scheduled for 2013. MOPAR Midnight Mayhem is open to any street-legal vehicle and any licensed driver. Entry fee is $15 to race or ride along and $5 admission for spectators. Restricted-area passes are available for $15.
Well, gang, that’s about it for this week. I’m outa here!