Tony Orlando, one of the most beloved and iconic American Entertainers for more than 50 years, has joined forces as a Partner and Vice Chairman with The Franklin Mint, the most trusted brand in the world for gifts, heirlooms and personalized collectibles.
Tony, who has been entertaining in Las Vegas for more than 40 of those 50 years, will be doing his very special style of entertaining (full speed ahead at 120 mph) this weekend at the South Point Hotel & Casino, with shows scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
“No one speaks to America with more passion and credibility than Tony Orlando. He brings a product development and marketing sensibility crafted through his accomplishments. Tony will lead The Franklin Mint’s vigorous efforts to embrace new branding in film, television and music, incorporating all digital and traditional platforms. We are honored to welcome Tony to The Franklin Mint as our partner, and to our leadership team,” said Robert H. Book, Chairman of the Franklin Mint.
Under Orlando’s leadership The Franklin Mint is planning to introduce the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Freedom, Wounded Warrior Sculpture, the Yellow Ribbon of Freedom Sculpture and several more products that honor the men and women of the United States military.
Tony Orlando’s career started at sixteen in 1961. Tony’s commitment to America’s veterans began in 1973 when “Yellow Ribbon” became the anthem for our military. For more than three decades, Tony was the Vice President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and hosted the New York portion of the MDA Telethon for his friend, Jerry Lewis.
Orlando is also set for a major role in the next Adam Sandler movie, “I Hate You Dad!,” which will hit theaters in 2012. The film is currently shooting in Cape Cod.
The 16th Annual Old Time Reunion Party will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2011, in the Mardi Gras Ballroom at The Orleans Hotel & Casino, according to Chairperson Thalia Dondero, one of the original founders of the yearly event.
“It’s incredible that every year this wonderful event grows so dramatically,” Dondero said. “This year we’re planning an incredible night of music, comedy, great food and wonderful Las Vegas memories from so long ago.”
This year’s Reunion will honor Bill Boyd and the Boyd Gaming Corporation, long-time supporters of the Old Time Reunion as well as iconic and influential names in the history and development of Las Vegas.
Entertainment will include the comedy of Peter Anthony and Pete Barbutti, with vintage Vegas music provided by the Steve Golden Band. During the cocktail hour, guests will be treated to the beautiful melodies of violinist Sasha Semenoff.
The Old Time Reunion is open to all 30 year plus residents of Las Vegas. Past guests have included everyone from Casino owners to showgirls to food servers. All are welcome to join in the fun and share their memories of “The Good Old Days”.
Cocktails will begin at 5:00PM with dinner at 6:00PM. Tickets are $45.00 per person and includes two drinks. For more information, go to www.oldtimereunion.com, or call 702-318-4343. Seating is limited.
The Orleans Hotel is located at 4500 West Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas.
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s ever popular slogan ‘What Happens Here (in Vegas), Stays Here (in Vegas)’ was one of two winners named to the 2011 annual Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame in New York City today. The slogan commanded 54 percent of the public voting, which kicked off on September 9th, and ran through September 30th.
Coming in second place, with 11 percent of the vote, was the Capital One “What’s In Your Wallet?” campaign. Allstate’s “Mayhem” and the Coca Cola Polar Bears were inducted as the favorite icons of the year and the Kia Hamsters were named the first ever “Rookie of the Year.”
Both the slogan and the icon winners will hold permanent positions on the Madison Avenue Walk of Fame, located between 42nd and 50th Streets in New York City, the advertising industry’s version of Hollywood and Vine.
“The ‘What Happens here, Stays here’ branding campaign is the most successful in the history of the tourism industry,” said Convention and Vistors Authority, President and CEO Rossi Ralenkotter. “The campaign has given millions of people the idea to visit Las Vegas and it resonates with the consumer because it’s based on their Las Vegas stories. It reinforces that Las Vegas is all about having fun.”
The Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame was created by Advertising Week, an industry event that is the largest gathering of advertising, media and marketing professionals in North America.
And, please, do not forget the huge benefit concert taking place Sunday, Oct. 16th at 2:00 p.m. in the showroom at the South Point Hotel & Casino. The concert will feature entertainers, working and living in Las Vegas, coming together to help one of their own, Michaelina Bellamy, through a troublesome time as she battles leukemia . A cast, consisting of the finest musicians and entertainers, has signed on to perform at the afternoon benefit. Emmy-winner, Gary Anderson, and his 18-piece Summit Big Band, will accompany the performers. Conductor to the Stars, Vince Falcone, will be at the podium, as Deana Martin, daughter of the late, great Dean Martin, performs two songs. Other entertainers confirmed, as of this writing, are Gordie Brown, Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns, Dennis Bono and Lorraine Hunt Bono, Rob Garrett, Elisa Furr, Linda November and Artie Schroeck, Abraham Laboriel, and Justo Almario. Co-hosting the event will be Las Vegas Sun columnist and TV host, John Katsilometes and Tricia McCrone, and Domenick Allen and Leigh Zimmerman.
Tickets for this one time performance are $25.00, (tax deductible), and may be purchased at the South Point box-office. Again, that is Sunday, Oct. 16th with doors to the showroom opening at 1:00 p.m. and the show scheduled to run from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Well, gang, that’s about it for this week. I’m outa here!