The King of Diamonds, Rob Garrett appears at South Point

Rob Garrett as Neil Diamond
Rob Garrett as Neil Diamond

One of the nice guys in the business of “Show Biz,” and widely acclaimed as one of the best as a Neil Diamond tribute artist, Rob Garrett and his King of Diamonds (KOD) band, make their debut in the showroom at the South Point Casino, this Friday, Nov. 8.

In the last two months, Garrett has been honored twice in Las Vegas for his accomplishments during a long, prolific, career as a an entertainer. On September 17, he was awarded the, “2013 Tribute Artist of the Year,” by the Entertainment Exchange, and on Oct. 24, he was honored as one of, “Nevada’s Finest,” at a dinner/fund raiser sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

In 1980, Garrett began performing with his band, “Rock’n Roll Heaven,” working local bars, clubs, lounges, and even some showrooms, before he ultimately decided to change the direction of his career. In 1995, Garrett auditioned for “Legends in Concert,” at the Imperial Palace Hotel, at the time rated the number one show on the Strip, as a Neil Diamond tribute artist. He signed a one-month contract, which lasted for five years, when Rob made another change in the direction of his career. Garrett decided it was time to reach for the “gold ring,” and go off on his own, traveling around the country (sometimes the world), becoming one of the most popular, respected, tribute acts in the industry, and earning the title, “King of Diamonds.

His shows continually sells out, wherever he is appearing, which is a testament to the hard work and perseverance he has put into his act. As one Las Vegas critic aptly put it, “After witnessing one of Rob Garrett’s shows, you realize that there is actually an art to impersonating somebody else. Neil Diamond would be proud”. Members of the KOD band include Keith Neal (lead guitar/vocals), Steve Gerard (Keyboards), Daryl Slade (bass), Jeff Borree (drums), L.J. Harness (Percussion), Russine Zellner and Rosanna Telford (back up vocalists). Tickets are priced at $15, $20, and $25, and may be purchased by calling (702)-797-8055.

 

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:

SunsetparkdSunset Park’d,” a Gourmet Food Truck Festival, will turn Sunset Park into an outdoor food court from Noon to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16. The park, located at 2601 E. Sunset Road (at Eastern Avenue), will host more than 30 local and regional food trucks with a sampling of food from hot dogs, sandwiches, and tacos, to lobster and desserts such, as frozen yogurt, cupcakes, and pineapple whip. Children of all ages can enjoy the free family friendly event, which will have something for everyone including a variety of activities, a classic car show, and live entertainment throughout the day. Headlining this year’s event will be Crash Kings, an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 2006. The members are vocalist-keyboardist Antonio “Tony” Beliveau, his brother and bassist Mike Beliveau, and drummer Tom Roslak. The band’s self-titled debut album was released May 26, 2009 on Custard/Universal Motown. “Mountain Man,” the band’s first single, was released to U.S. modern rock radio stations in October, and entered Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart the following month, peaking at No. 25. The band is known for using analog keyboards, such as the Clavinet with distortion effects and a whammy bar, in place of a typical lead guitar. Also performing on the live music stage will be local Las Vegas bands such as The Remedies, Lady Reiko and Sin City Prophets, Fleetwood Nicks, Paper Tigers, Love Vendetta, Ekoh, and The Beau Hodges Band.  The event, which Clark County Parks and Recreation plans to make an annual affair, is to celebrate the recent completion of a four-year, $11.7 million renovation project to the Las Vegas Valley’s third-oldest park. Additional information about “Sunset Park’d,” can be found online at www.SunsetParkd.com or by calling (702) 455-8200. Clark County Parks and Recreation also can be found on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook by visiting tinyurl.com/4dfw8ea.

 

Lisa Smith
Lisa Smith

Bill Fayne’s weekly presentation of “Classic Broadway Music,” is delighting audiences every Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m., in the new Bootlegger Bistro Copa Ballroom.  Bill’s show this week will feature Broadway artists George DeMott, Lisa Smith, Zipporah Peddle and Ron Smith, as well as the man himself, singer and music director, Bill Fayne, according to Bootlegger owner, and former Lt. Governor, Lorraine Hunt-Bono. “This weeks performance will be the third in a series of Broadway inspired shows that Fayne has brought to the South Strip location.  The new Bootlegger Bistro Copa Ballroom is a perfect venue to showcase talented Broadway artists who work in a variety of Las Vegas shows.  Bill’s new format will present the show, and following the show there will be an “Open Mic,” for Broadway performers at 9pm. “We look forward to another exciting evening of presenting classic Broadway music,” said Hunt-Bono.  The Bootlegger Bistro’s Copa Ballroom is located at 7700 Las Vegas Boulevard. The door charge for the show is $10 per person and seating begins at 6:30pm.  For more information please call (702) 736-493.

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Trumpeter Dean Simms will perform as, ”Satchmo,” in a tribute to the legendary Louis Armstrong at the Suncoast Showroom, this Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9-10. Simms leads a seven-piece band and takes audiences on a journey through Armstrong’s career, performing such hits as, “Basin Street Blues,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “St. Louis Blues and What a Wonderful World, with an encore performance of, “Hello, Dolly! Dean has performed, or recorded lead trumpet, with many famous acts including, The Ohio Players, Rick James Stone City Band, Peabo Bryson, Little Anthony, and Roger Troutman. Louis Armstrong, nicknamed “Satchmo,” was a jazz trumpeter and vocalist whose influence on the music industry extended well beyond the jazz genre. In 1972, he posthumously received the Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office, or by calling 702.636.7075, or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.

 

Henderson Stroll 'n Roll
Henderson Stroll ‘n Roll

The city of Henderson is making it easier for residents to live a healthy and active lifestyle. This Saturday, Nov. 9, the public is invited to play in the streets and city parks from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., as part of the inaugural Henderson Stroll ‘n Roll, the city’s spin on Ciclovia, the largest car-free streets celebration held in Bogotá, Columbia. Admission is free. “Henderson Stroll ‘n Roll is another fine example of Henderson’s commitment to health and wellness,” said Mayor Andy Hafen. “The event makes exercising more fun and accessible, bringing the community together to enjoy a day filled with unique and healthy recreational activities.” Paseo Verde Parkway, from Paseo Verde Park, 1851 Paseo Verde Pkwy., to the Henderson Multi-generational Center, 250 S. Green Valley Pkwy., will be closed to motorized traffic for the event, so everyone can come together to enjoy one mile of open streets to stroll, bike, skate, and play. Touted as the community’s largest fitness block party, Henderson Stroll ‘n Roll is a fun workout for the entire family – without knowing you’re working out. It features entertainment along the route, including music, Big Wheel races, human hamster ball competitions, and a bicycle obstacle course. The celebration, which is the first known Ciclovia event held in the state of Nevada, also includes three entertainment zones – Paseo Verde Park, Discovery Park, and the Henderson Multi-generational Center. Each hub will contain a variety of leisure and exercise classes for all ages, including Zumba and CrossFit. It also includes a number of free activities for children, like an arts and crafts station, bounce houses, and face painting, as well as demonstrations by specialized units of the Henderson police and fire departments. For more information, visit BikeHenderson.org or call the city of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department at (702) 267-4000. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

 

Well, gang, that’s about it for yet another week. 

I’m outa here!

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