Saturday night, Aug 16th, was a very special evening for two men who first worked together in the historic movie, “Scarface,” in 1983, and 10 years later (1993) appeared in the Golden Globe nominated film, “Carlito’s Way,” as Hollywood legend Al Pacino (The Godfather), and comedian Angel Salazar, came together in Las Vegas.
Pacino was in the middle of his one man show at the Mirage Hotel, in the packed Terry Fator Theater, and Salazar, who portrayed, Walberto in Carlito’s Way, was sitting in the audience with some friends. During the Q & A from the audience, Comedian/Actor Salazar took to the microphone and said, “Mr. Pacino, ‘Sheck it out!’…. It’s Chi-Chi, your little side kick from Scarface!” A big smile came across Pacino’s face as he peered out into the audience. “Who is that? Chi Chi?! The audience immediately recognized Salazar as one of the co-stars from the cult movie, “Scarface,” and erupted into applause. Angel responded, “I just wanted to tell you man, I GOT THE YEYO!!! Then Angel pulled out a huge plastic bag filled with white powder. The crowd went nuts when he said that quotable famous line from the hit movie!
Angel jumped up onstage with Al and moderator John Katsilometes. Al immediately gave Angel a big hug while the audience applauded, and called out his character’s name, “Chi Chi get the Yeyo!!!” Angel took this moment to plug his upcoming Vegas engagement. “Hey everybody, ‘sheck it out!’ On Monday I open at the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana hotel!” The audience applauded as he jumped back down into the crowd. After the show Angel posed for at least 50 photos with Scarface fans before going backstage to see Al, where they posed for some photos in the green room.
Check out Angel Salazar Aug. 18 – 24, Monday through Sunday inside the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Hotel, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m., or go to www.Troplv.com. Tickets are priced at $34.95 or $44.95 plus fees.
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The story of a traveler’s walk through the legends and colorful history of Veracruz, Mexico, VIVA VERACRUZ! THE SHOW will now premiere at the PH Showroom inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino this Friday, August 22. An amazing adventure told with spectacular dance and music, traditional and modern elements, artisanal handicrafts and cutting-edge technology, VIVA VERACRUZ! THE SHOW was commissioned by the state government of Veracruz, Mexico. Produced by renowned Mexican producer Luis De Llano-Stevens and long-time producer Alex Esqueda, VIVA VERACRUZ! THE SHOW creates a remarkable stage production as homage to the “Son Jarocho,” or folklore, songs, music and dance of Veracruz.
Divided into 12 choreographed dance numbers, the show is composed of a series of vignettes, delicately interlaced in a rich, dynamic and eclectic program. The music is a combination of original compositions and traditional songs such as the world-famous, “La Bamba.” Salsa, Danzon, contemporary dance and, of course, Jarocho, the original Veracruz dance, confront each other, resulting in a beautiful combination of cultures and traditions. The show will run Thursday through Tuesday; with all shows beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $39 and $69 plus tax and applicable fees. An exclusive VIP package is also offered for $99 plus tax and applicable fees, which includes a VIP ticket, poster, and entry for the chance to win a round trip vacation to Mexico. A limited buy-one-get-one promotion is available for Las Vegas locals with a valid ID. All tickets can be purchased in-person at the Planet Hollywood Box Office or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. Guests must be 18 years or older. For more information and a complete show schedule, visit www.VivaVeracruzTheShow.com.
The Lennon Sisters, yes you read right, the Lennon Sisters from the days of the “Lawrence Welk Show,” will take to the stage at the Suncoast Showroom September 13 and 14. The Sisters made their TV debut on Christmas Eve 1955, on “The Lawrence Welk Show,” when youngest member, Janet, was just nine years old. Following their successful debut, Welk professionally adopted the girls, and The Lennon Sisters became regulars on the program every Saturday night for the next 13 years. It is not commonly known, but The Sisters were the nieces of the world famous fight announcer, Jimmy Lennon, Sr. I first met Jimmy when I was employed by Joe Louis, and later when I was covering boxing at the old Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles as a sports writer for Copley News Service. It is also not well known that Jimmy was a wonderful singer too.
Later, the sisters entered the music scene with their first hit, “Tonight, You Belong to Me,” reaching #15 on the charts in 1956. Labeled “America’s Sweethearts of Song,” they recorded their first album, “Let’s Get Acquainted,” in May of 1957. In 1961, the group’s single “Sad Movies (Make Me Cry),” reached #1, becoming their highest charting record. Other popular recordings include “Scarlet Ribbons,” “Greensleeves,” and Schubert’s “Ave Maria.” Throughout the ‘70s, The Lennon Sisters toured extensively and made regular performances on “The Andy Williams Show.” The group also appeared on “Family Feud,” “Hollywood Squares” and “Tattletales.” The Lennon Sisters are now comprised of original members, Janet and Kathy, and younger sister Mimi. Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $29.95, plus tax and fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office, by calling 702.636.7075, or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.
The city of Henderson teams up with the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club, to present the 24th Annual Prince Jonah Kuhio Ho’olaule’a Festival. The event, which celebrates the Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture, is Saturday, September 13 from 10 a.m-10 p.m. and Sunday, September 14 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 Water St., and the Water Street District. Admission is complimentary. This year’s event infuses some of Hawaii’s unexpected heritage, the paniolo or cowboy. Hawaiian cowboys have been wrangling cattle in Hawaii’s ranchlands for more than 100 years, when Spanish vaqueros from California were invited to the islands to teach Hawaiians how to manage cattle.
Their contributions to island culture will be celebrated at this year’s Ho’olaule’a Festival, with pony rides, a paniolo outfit, a lei contest, ukulele music, and a special performance by Melveen Leed, an award-winning Hawaiian and country singer, who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry. In addition to the cowboy tribute, the event also features traditional island food, entertainment, demonstrations, and specialty vendors. New attractions include a career and health fair and an 808 car and truck show. Proceeds from this year’s Ho’olaule’a Festival benefit the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club’s Founders Scholarship Fund.
For more information, visit HendersonLive.com., or call the city of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts & Tourism at 702-267-2171. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
After a one year hiatus Freakshow Wrestling, returns to Las Vegas with its largest and craziest show yet on Friday, August 29 at Helltown Studios (6425 W. Richmar Ave., Las Vegas 89139). Presented by Smash Magazine, Freakshow Wrestling, The End of the World Party, features freaky fun for all including helicopters, wrestling legends, a zombie invasion, explosions, and a clown army. Tickets for the show are $20 and available through www.ticketfly.com., and is a 21plus event. Co-hosted by the Amazing Johnathan and Jenn O. Cide, the event features wrestling legends, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Gangrel, Chavo Guerrero, Sinn Bodhi, John Morrison, and Brian Kendrick; with special appearances by GWAR’s Techno Destructo, the Ghost of Macho Man, Clownvis, Scorch the Clown, and live music by the Radioactive Chickenheads. Freakshow Wrestling is the brainchild of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.) legend Sinn Bodhi (“Kizarny”).
Bodhi came to town and made a mad scientist experiment, combining local underground variety talent, with his extensive experience in professional wrestling. “I can’t wait to melt faces when I reintroduce Vegas to the awesomeness that is the new and improved Freakshow Wrestling,” said Bohdi. “It’s the largest event we’ve ever done, and we’re going to blow some minds.” The show is sponsored by Full Moon Features, Coffin Case, Delirium Magazine, Freak Show Talent, the Balloon Master Show, Brunchlesque, and Punk Rock Bingo. Merchandise will be available for sale, and the event is being filmed for a special feature DVD.
Well, gang, that’s about it for this week.
I’m outa here!