His introduction to the stage may have begun in the theatre, but for over 35 years Jay White has continued to stretch his singing and acting talents, while reflecting the stage persona of one of the world’s best loved American Musical Icons. Validation came from Hollywood Director, Ron Howard, who in 2008 cast Jay to play Neil Diamond in the Academy Award nominated film “Frost/Nixon”. In 2021, Jay has also been cast as the lead in a new film entitled “Starlight”.
Midnight Pass Entertainment is proud to announce that it’s Musical/Drama, “Starlight,” a feature film 10 years in the making, will have its Red-Carpet World Premiere at the Galaxy Theatres in Boulevard Mall in Las Vegas, NV. on Saturday, November 13 at 7:00 pm and will be followed by an Audience Q&A with the Cast immediately afterward. Tickets for the “Starlight” premiere can be purchased at: starlightmovie.net and https://www.eventbrite.com/e/starlight-movie-las-vegas-world-premiere-tickets-167913653257.
Preceding the “Starlight” screening, members of the cast will gather the previous night, Friday, November 12, when “The Sweet Caroline Tour starring Jay White” presents their Neil Diamond Concert Celebration at the Italian American Club, 2333 E Sahara Ave, 89104 in Las Vegas. Tickets for the Dinner & Concert are available online at: www.iaclasvegas.com or by calling 702-457-3866.
It’s no wonder that in 2002 White began his 8 years as a Las Vegas showroom headliner, totaling 2041 shows at the Riviera Hotel Casino, whose success has sparked national recognition. Leeza Gibbons of “Entertainment Tonight” wrote: “Jay White is “uncanny and truly amazing!” Jay Leno said, “he does a great job.” White is honored to have performed for former First Lady Nancy Reagan, introduced actress Starletta Dupois on the worldwide televised Miss Universe Pageant, received a 2003 “Outstanding Performance” Award and has sung the National Anthem at dozens of sporting events. He’s also appeared with Bob Hope for the American Legion.
In 1996 and again in 2002, White met Diamond before his Vegas MGM appearances, where Neil autographed a photo of the two signing; “Jay, keep singing, so I can stay home and relax, your friend in music”. In an interview, Diamond also commented on his tribute acts saying; “I’ve heard a few of them, but my favorite is Jay White from Las Vegas.” From enthusiastic crowds rushing the stage at corporate events, to hundreds of enthusiastic alumni at Princeton University, to the praises of some 18,000 fans in several Salt Lake City performances, White is grateful that his years of demanding work and dedication are still so convincing and so appreciated.
This reporter first met Jay back in the late ‘80s when he began a long run in the “Legends in Concert” at the now gone “Imperial Palace,” when he began a 11-year run. I think you should know he was no overnight sensation. Here is some info:
Jay began his singing career in the late 70’s performing in theatrical productions of Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof and others. In 1979 he joined a do-wop group called The Voices and by 1982, as the lead vocalist for a Top-Forty-Band where people commented on his vocal similarity to Neil Diamond. In 1983 he landed his first job performing as Diamond at a Supper Club near Detroit, it was here that he studied and worked to capture the essence and charismatic stage presence of this iconic singer/songwriter. Although concerned about the potential for long term success, this once insurance salesman turned an unexpected opportunity into five years of steady work, which eventually led to an offer of a lifetime from a most unexpected place… Las Vegas!
In 1989 Vegas Producer John Stuart heard of the singer’s talent and asked him to headline as the closing act in a new “Living Legends in Concert” show in Reno NV. Thrilled with his performance, Stuart asked White to join the world’s #1 tribute show at the Imperial Palace as the first “living legend” in the Las Vegas based production. He spent 9 years with Legends, performing in 5014 shows,
With a desire for new challenges, White found an agent in 1998 who believed in his talent and his new band, and together they headed for the corporate market to headline their new show.
“Performing is more than the look and the voice, from mannerisms to humor to audience participation, it all needs to come together to form an exhilarating, emotional experience,” White said. “When I leave the stage, the persona ends there. This is an acting job and one that requires a supportive family and fan base for whom I’ll always be grateful.”
White has gone from a Diamond in the rough, to a polished headline performer whose command of the stage and his audience has put him at the top of his craft. He has achieved all the facets of Neil Diamond. His performance bears such a natural resemblance, that several Diamond family members were enthusiastic and amazed with his authentic and uncanny re-creation. In recent years, and with Diamond’s touring retirement, a few of his band members have played in White’s show. Diamond’s percussionist King Errisson has been playing steadily with White since 2004.
As a proud husband and father, he resides in Las Vegas with his wife Pam and his two musically talented children, Neil, and Stephanie, who occasionally perform in White’s show. His eldest, Jason, is an accomplished Marine Sergeant who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Apart from the music, White’s first passion was to play professional hockey. In the late 70’s he made a brief appearance in the IHL, where he returned in the 90’s as the practice goalie for the IHL Las Vegas Thunder. Jay has played in several NHL Alumni games with Doug Gilmore, Marty McSorley, Dino Ciccarelli and many more. From 2005-09 Jay dressed as back-up goaltender in five games (all victories) for the ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers. Las Vegas Sportscaster Ron Futrell also reported the story of the unique talents of this “Diamond on Ice.”
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:
Downtown Summerlin®, a development of The Howard Hughes Corporation® located in the heart of the Summerlin® master planned community, kicks off the 2021 holiday season on Friday, November 12 with the arrival of Santa Claus and the opening of Rock Rink, the popular outdoor ice-skating rink located on The Lawn and presented this year by Live Nation.
The following weekend, the beloved Holiday Parade returns in all its glory after a one-year hiatus, running every Friday and Saturday evening at 6 p.m. from Nov. 19 – Dec. 18. This magical tradition, complete with lively holiday music, snow, dancers, and Santa, runs along Park Centre Drive and includes a new Nutcracker-inspired float this year. The parade is complimentary and open to the public.
“The holidays feel extra special given many holiday events and celebrations were put on pause last year,” said Halee Harczynski, marketing director, Downtown Summerlin. “We are thrilled to bring back all our popular holiday activations this year, while adding a few new surprises. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with everyone.”
Santa Claus’ Chalet, presented by Tri Pointe Homes and located in the Macy’s Promenade, is open daily through Dec. 24. Photo packages start at $39.99. Santa offers photos with pets on Tuesdays through Dec. 21 between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Kids can drop off letters to Santa and for every letter received, Downtown Summerlin will donate $1 to Goodie Two Shoes. At Rock Rink, presented by Live Nation, skate rentals start at $16, and all ages are welcome. Hours vary, and appointments are required so check the website for details. Downtown Summerlin’s festive holiday train runs from Nov. 19 – Jan. 17. Rides are $4 per person (adults and kids). On Dec. 1, Downtown Summerlin will partner with Jewish Nevada to host a one-night Hanukkah celebration that includes the lighting of the Menorah, family skate night, entertainment, kids’ activities, and hot cocoa with lite bites.
Returning to Downtown Summerlin is The Giving Machine that will be open from Nov. 3 – Jan. 3. Organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Giving Machine gives visitors an opportunity to make a holiday donation at a giant vending machine to one of several local nonprofits and international charitable initiatives. Participating local nonprofits this year include Communities In Schools of Nevada, Eye Care 4 Kids, Future Smiles, Opportunity Village and Three Square.
New this year is Lights for Flights – a fun activation featuring six giant lighted words spread throughout Downtown Summerlin: LOVE, JOY, HOPE, PEACE, SOAR, and MIRACLE. Creating the perfect holiday background for all your Instagram-worthy holiday moments, the signs are sponsored to generate awareness and funds for Miracle Flights, the nonprofit that provides free commercial flights to children and adults who need assistance to reach life-changing medical care not available in their local communities. And finally, at Las Vegas Ballpark, visit Enchant, a whimsical and heartfelt Christmas light maze and village that brings its world of festive wonder to Las Vegas for the first time Nov. 26 through Jan. 2. Visit EnchantChristmas.com for details. For more on Downtown Summerlin’s holiday events, visit www.summerlin.com
Known for its world-class kayaking and hiking tours along the lower Colorado River, Evolution Expeditions announces Veterans Day specials and post-Thanksgiving “Turkey Paddle” tours in November. As a thank you to all military personnel, Evolution Expeditions will be offering veterans and active members of the military buy-one, get-one-free tours on its Kayak Emerald Cave tour normally priced at $139 per person. This offer is available for tours on Thursday, Nov. 11 through Monday, Nov. 15.
For anyone seeking exciting outdoor recreation to counter Thanksgiving indulgence, Evolution Expeditions also invites guests to experience its post-holiday “Turkey Paddle” tours on Friday, Nov. 26. Guests can participate in the 20-kilometer paddle on the Kayak Hoover Dam & Hot Springs Hike tour or the 10-kilometer paddle on the Kayak Emerald Cave tour. Prices range from $139 to $229 per person and include a catered lunch from Jason’s Deli. To commemorate the “Turkey Paddle,” guests kayaking the day after Thanksgiving will also receive special t-shirts.
“Following Thanksgiving, we invite families and friends celebrating together to continue the holiday fun on one of our extraordinary kayaking tours and make some terrific memories together,” said Chris Cherney, owner, Evolution Expeditions. “Offering unique adventures highlighting the area’s geological features, spectacular wildlife, hidden beaches, hot springs and historic buildings and structures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.” For more information or to book a tour, visit evolutionexpeditions.com or call (702) 259-5292.
A federal judge in Nevada has ruled the Clark County School District violated federal education disability law by not providing services that would have met the needs of a student with dyslexia. As a result, the CCSD must pay the Rogich family — well-known in Southern Nevada — more than $450,000 in reimbursement payments for private schools and related services for their daughter, who has dyslexia and other learning challenges.
However, the Rogich family considers it a victory of historic proportions not just for them, but for all Clark County special needs students and their families. Lori Rogich, a prominent attorney in Las Vegas, told News 3 Las Vegas: “The importance of it is that she will be helping other children. And that for her means the world. … It took a lot of courage and a lot of patience.”
Sig Rogich, a renowned political consultant and advisor to multiple presidents, said the family is extremely proud of the fact that their case made its way through the courts and achieved such a notable result. To view the full reports on this major victory for special needs children and their families, see the video above from News 3 Las Vegas and read the article from the Las Vegas Review-Journal here: https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/education/ccsd-loses-another-lawsuit-over-special-education-program-2462258/
In November, Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will celebrate its 36th Anniversary. The Ferraro family invites guests to celebrate with them over two weekends featuring special menus. From Nov. 5 – 7 and Nov. 12 – 14, guests will enjoy a prix-fixe three-course menu highlighting many of Ferraro’s favorite dishes for an outstanding $36.36 per person.
Guests may choose their appetizer (Calamari Fritti or Carpaccio di Manzo) and main course (selections include Spaghetti Aglio e Olio and Vitello Piccata). Plus, all diners receive a tempting “dolci” platter—a sampling of Ferraro’s famously indulgent desserts.
The cost for dinner is $36.36 plus tax and tip per person, and this special is available for dine in only. Meals may not be split and cannot be combined with other offers. To make reservations, please call (702) 364-5300.
Founded in 1985, Ferraro’s is Las Vegas’ longest running, family-owned and operated restaurant offering authentic, five-star Italian cuisine in a fine-dining atmosphere. Specializing in freshly made pastas and sauces, legendary osso buco, savory risottos, expertly prepared all-natural meats, Safe Harbor® seafood, as well as an extensive award-winning wine list.
Well, gang, I hope to see ya all at the two evenings honoring Jay White and his new film.
You can bet I’ll be there,