Michael Shane has been a professional musical-entertainer since the age of 11. Most recently Shane was hand-picked by Steve Wynn, to perform at Wynn’s Tower Suite Bar, on the piano. He had to personally interview for Wynn, prior to being accepted for the room. Shane stayed for nearly a year, entertaining the famous, and non-famous, guests of the hotel.
As a graduate of the prestigious High School of Performing Arts in New York City, and the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore MD, Michael’s career has, to date, consisted of music, humor, theater, recording, and lots of charity work on both coasts. Michael is a veteran of thousands of musical performances for special events, concerts and countless appearances as an emcee and comic. His collaboration with the New York Daily News, included dozens of shows at media events, at which his “Midnight Jam Show,” would share the stage with the likes of Meatloaf, Kool and the Gang, Gypsy Kings, Tower of Power and Gloria Gaynor. In addition, Michael’s hundreds of performances on college campuses, all over the country, with the New York City Swing Band, and in 1986 was named, “College Band of the Year.” During this time his ballroom dance band, “The Musicmen,” appeared in the movie, “The Tempest,” starring John Cassavetes and Susan Sarandon. While in New York, Shane performed at nearly all the high profile hotels, either as a soloist, or at numerous special events.
As a musician, Michael is accomplished on piano, guitar, saxophone, clarinet, and drums, and is extensively trained in composition, and arranging, having studied privately with Don Sebesky, and Bob Brookmeyer. The music of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Fred Astaire, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, and Bobby Darin are among his favorites, singing the hits and some rare songs, with equal skill. And don’t be surprised when he tosses in an Elvis, The Beatles, Elton John, Billy Joel, Carole King, or Ray Charles, utilizing the music from the wonderful American songbook.
Michael’s comedy skill has been featured hundreds of times over the years at some of the top comedy clubs in the nation, along with some of the greats of improvisation, both as a musical funnyman, or as Master of Ceremonies. He has performed with the likes of, Ray Romano, Dave Chappelle, Dave Atell, Mark Marin and Jon Stewart.
Michael Shane moved to Las Vegas in 1995, where he quickly became well known as a bandleader, and an entertainer on the Las Vegas Strip. His Metropolitan Club Orchestra, (retro Vegas style big band show), has performed for nine-years running at the The LVH VIP New Year’s Gala Event, and has also forged a relationship with the Station Casinos, for a series of shows dedicated to Child Haven, and the challenges faced by local foster care in Clark County.
Michael has been producing radio ads and jingles for years, and is currently a regular on Michele LaFong’s Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show. This is a guy who strongly reminds me of one of the most talented entertainers, behind a piano, that I have personally known, the great Oscar Levant. Oscar entertained the common people, the famous, and the greats of the world. Levant was an eccentric of the largest magnitude, but why the men and ladies of fame would put up with him was very simple: he was an accomplished musician, comedian, composer, and was a friend. Sinatra loved him, and that was enough for me! Unfortunately, Oscar passed away in 1972 at the age of 65.
While being handpicked by Steve Wynn was a proud moment for Michael, prouder still is the experience of performing professionally in the Entertainment Capital of the World. He is equally at home in a living room atmosphere, as he is in an arena or major showroom. While being able to perform a wide range of music, it is his ability to satisfy audiences with the right song, or laugh at the perfect moment. That is a unique talent that keeps him special, wherever he plays.
So, gang, if you want to see what I saw and heard, then visit this one-man’s show at the new Kelly’s Prime Steak & Seafood (the former Ruth’s Chris Steak House), 3900 Paradise Rd, suite 121, where he holds forth every Thursday beginning at 7 p.m. You will be royally entertained, believe me. And, you never know who may step up to the microphone and sing a song. It could be you!
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One of this writers favorite entertainers, and she’s been on that list for a long, long time, is Miss Kelly Clinton-Holmes, who will bring her kaleidoscope of talent in her one-woman show, “Freckled For Life,” to the Suncoast Showroom for one night only, Saturday, June 1.
In “Freckled For Life,” Clinton mixes her remarkable abilities as an actress, singer, comedienne and impressionist, which you have to see to believe. Broadwayworld.com described her cabaret act as, “pure delight,” and a, “wonderfully entertaining show by an extremely beautiful and multi-talented performer.”
Guest stars will include Tara Palsha, who has performed in several well-known Las Vegas Strip shows, and currently performs in “VEGAS! The Show.” A special surprise guest or two will also make an appearance. Sure to be a special guest is her equally talented husband, the very well-known Clint Holmes. In the early ’90s, Clinton was a winner on the ABC-TV reality series, “America’s Funniest People,” and in 2003 she starred alongside Sheena Easton and Holmes on the TV show, “Vegas Live.” Additionally, she has appeared on popular national television shows with Wayne Newton, and Engelbert Humperdinck, who she traveled with for many years as a backup singer.
Clinton owns and operates her own production company and is the creator and producer of “Shades of Sinatra,” a musical tribute to Frank Sinatra. She starred in the hit musical “Nunsense” at the LVH (formerly the Hilton) for several years. Currently, Clinton participates in celebrity nights at The Bootlegger Bistro, and hosts “Talktails,” interviewing celebrity guests. It airs Mondays at 5:00 p.m. on the Vegas Video Network. Broadwayworld.com recognized Clinton as a nominee for “Best Female Comedian” in 2011, and again in 2012. Showtime at the Suncoast is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office, by calling 702.636.7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.
Comedy legend, and Emmy Award-winning comedian, Louie Anderson, returns to Las Vegas as he takes up comedic residency at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, in the famed downtown casino’s showroom. Fresh off his success on the ABC-TVs celebrity diving series, “Splash,” Anderson is glad to be back on dry land.
“Diving is a lot like stand-up,” says Anderson. “You can’t go back once you’re up there. There’s only a shame walk. I gotta dive into the audience or dive into the pool.”
After his victorious departure from the show, Anderson will be diving back onto the comedy stage at the Plaza, with an open-ended run beginning, Wednesday, July 10.
He will entertain audiences, Wednesday through Saturday nights at 7 p.m. Tickets will start at $59.95 for general admission and $101.95 for VIP seating, and a meet and greet after the show. Information on purchasing tickets will be available online at www.plazahotelcasino.com.
Well, gang, that’s it for this week. You can find me at Kelly’s this Thursday and hopefully, at the Suncoast Saturday evening.