Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant

Note: This is a past column from September 07, 2007
You can find the current column HERE

Las Vegas - September 7, 2007

Las Vegas Tenors	Bella Rumore

The fabulous Las Vegas Tenors, hosted by Clint Homes, backed by a 15-piece orchestra and featuring the very talented all female, eight-piece string section known as Bella Rumore along with harpist Kim Delibro, will be performing in the Las Vegas Hilton Theater (home of Barry Manilow) tonight and tomorrow night (September 7^th and 8^th). The Las Vegas Tenors was launched in 2005, when Bill Fayne was asked to put together a group of singers to perform a concert of eclectic music from various genres. He wisely enlisted the aid of Bobby Black, Teddy Davey and Mark Giovi. Bill is a classically trained singer who loves opera and Broadway. Bobby and Mark were more contemporary singers who are comfortable singing Bon Jovi, Garth Brooks, R & B and the classics, while Teddy has experience in theater, pop and classical Italian songs. The quartet first performed together at the Bootlegger Bistro. No one could have predicted the incredible response to their shows. Early successful performances led to SRO appearances at the Stirling Club, Golden Nugget, and multiple sold-out shows at the Suncoast, Gold Coast, and South Point hotel/casinos. The Tenors have become a favorite at the Orleans Arena, where they have sung the National Anthem for the NCAA Basketball games as well as for the Las Vegas Gladiators. They have also performed with Clint Holmes at Harrah's Las Vegas and with George Wallace at the Flamingo. Show times for the Las Vegas Tenors are 8 p.m. Tickets are $29.95 and $39.95 (plus tax and service charge). For reservations, call the Las Vegas Hilton Box Office at (800) 222-5361.

Here's a bit of information about the beautiful and talented Bella Rumore "cast." Bella Rumore, Italian for "Beautiful Noise," is made up of a core quartet, Nina DiGregorio, Lisa Viscuglia (the co-founders), Denitza Larsen and Dena Perrico. In addition to these four lovely ladies, there is a pool of great playing women in Las Vegas who join Bella Rumore when more music is needed (or, as in the case of Denitza, someone is scheduled for maternity leave). Jennifer Eriksson, Wei Wei Le, Hannah Suk, Sheila Davis and Rachel Brown are frequently part of Bella Rumore. These are all professional, well-trained musicians who declare they are "not just another chick band." We would have to agree. In the upcoming Hilton concert, viola-playing Denitza, who is verrrry pregnant, will play in the first part of the program where the women are seated. The group will perform as an acoustic octet (four violins, two violas and two cellos) as they accompany the tenors. When it comes time to stand for the featured portion, Sheila will take Denitza's place. The ladies will then switch to electric octet for their feature number and stay on those instruments for the remainder of the show. And speaking of instruments, Bella Rumore are Yamaha sponsored artists, meaning that Yamaha has supplied all of the electric instruments used by the group, and they play them exclusively.

Much like the Las Vegas Tenors, Shades of Sinatra seems to have touched an emotional chord with the public. Without a big advertising budget, and mostly just by word of mouth, these two acts have developed quite a following. With their beginnings in locals places, like the Bootlegger Bistro and Stirling Club, these performers have moved up the ladder to the main rooms. In the case of the Shades of Sinatra, made up of Ryan Baker, Larry Liso, Carmine Mandia, Lisa Smith, and, on occasion, Kelly Clinton, they have returned to the Suncoast following their series of successful shows on Mondays in July. This time around, again under the guidance of Ed Mathews and Ms. Clinton, the ensemble will perform every Wednesday in September (the 12^th, 19^th and 26^th), with shows starting at 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call the Suncoast at (702) 636-7075 or (877) 636-7111. And, by the way, Lisa Smith, of Shades of Sinatra, is also one third of the all-girl trio, Dangerous Curves.

And, as if we haven't mentioned Clint Holmes enough in recent weeks, here we go again. Mr. Busy Busy will serve as "Celebrity Impresario" when Opera Las Vegas presents Pagliacci, set in 1967's Summer of Love. The event takes place in the Nicholas Horn Theatre at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN). There are only two performances, Friday, September 14^th at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, September 16^th at 4 p.m. Friday's opening night festivities include a no-host wine bar where attendees can meet and greet the artists. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $25 for students and military personnel. Call (702) 651-5483 or (702) 459-6353 for additional information and to purchase tickets.

* * * * * *

Jimmy Hopper	Vita Corimbi	Artie Schroeck

Okay, all you Jimmy Hopper fans (and we know you are out there), Cousin Claire has great news! The very talented singer/musician will be making an all too rare Las Vegas appearance in December. Hopper will headline the theater at The Orleans in a concert to benefit Miracle Flight. Since 1985, Miracle Flight has been the nation's leading nonprofit medical flight organization. For 22 years, they have helped families overcome financial obstacles in order to get access to the proper medical care and treatment for their seriously ill children. Jimmy's last local public performance was in May, when he did two nights in the Suncoast showroom on Mother's Day weekend. Based on the interest and audience response to those shows, we expect the December show to be a sellout. The date of the event is Sunday, December 2^nd, and the time is 2 p.m. Tickets for Journey of the Heart are $35, $45 and $55, plus applicable taxes and fees, and can be purchased by phone. Call (702) 365-7075. We will remind readers about this concert as it gets closer to the date. We would suggest, however, if you want to see Jimmy Hopper in this Las Vegas appearance, order your tickets soon. As the saying goes...you snooze, you lose. Photo of Jimmy by Michael Munson.

* * * * * *

Diva Las Vegas, that would be female impersonator Frank Marino, seems to be going through the change of life. Now in his 22^nd year as a Strip headliner, and in his 43^rd year of life, Frank is seeking a new, more youthful image. ‘Out with the old and in with the new' is the thinking for today. Instead of hanging out with people his own age, and being photographed with "mature" celebrities such as Phyllis Diller and Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton, Ms. Las Vegas (who impersonates AARP recipient Joan Rivers as the star of the Riviera's An Evening at La Cage) wants to be rubbing elbows with the likes of Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Kevin Federline at places such as LAX, Pure, Tao and Tryst. He wants to mix and mingle with audience members who enjoy, and understand, shows like Stomp Out Loud and the Blue Man Group, so they can explain them to him. In trying to achieve that goal, Marino has gone for a shorter hairdo and has taken to wearing Justin Timberlake-style designer men's suits. He has also gone on a drastic diet, losing more than 500 pounds when he fired his manager, booking agent and press agent. In an exclusive interview with Cousin Claire (interrupted by his favorite soap, All My Children), Marino discussed his upcoming reality show, V.TV's Frank, My Way, airing on the Vegas Entertainment Network. The cameras won‘t be focusing on Frank‘s career, but on his life off-stage and out of wigs and makeup. This getting real stuff will show Frank throwing a 5^th birthday party for his dog, Cherie; undergoing yet more cosmetic surgery (he has spent thousands having things nipped, tucked and lifted); sharing his dieting methods; something about Hollywood Witch Goddess Surgery (whatever that may be); and acting as salesperson at his over the top garage sale, where designer gowns were sold for more than $5,000. Well, you get the drift. Committed for a 13-week run, four episodes of Frank, My Way are already in the can. The series is expected to debut in January.

As a personal note to Marino, wise old Cousin Claire suggests that he not go too far in a new direction as to bite the wrinkled, liver-spotted hands that have fed and clothed him during his past 22 years in Las Vegas. Joan Rivers needs all the publicity she can get. Mr. Marino, much prettier than today's scary-looking Ms. Rivers, provides much of that.

* * * * * *

Folks who attended last month's Performing Arts Society of Nevada's sponsored offering, featuring Lee Roy Reams who is currently camping it up as Roger DeBris in The Producers at Paris Las Vegas, are still talking about the experience. It isn't often that Las Vegans have the opportunity to see a Broadway stage veteran in an intimate, up close and personal presentation like the one that took place at the Clark County Flamingo Library on August 26^th. Hopefully, PAS's John Meren and Tom Gallagher can talk Mr. Reams into an encore performance sometime during the next few months. At this point, the uber talented Lee Roy Reams is contracted to be in The Producers until February.

* * * * * *

A week and a half ago, we were in the audience at the Composers Showcase. This was our second visit to this monthly event and, once again, we say WOW! There is so much hidden talent in our city. You see a fine performance and hear a wonderful singer go through their nightly routine on a stage in a fancy (or not so fancy) hotel/casino and, although you are entertained and maybe even captivated by the experience, you have no idea what other talents lie hidden under those costumes, makeup and wigs. This showcase exposes some of those talents. Someone said it pretty well, following that Hot August Night (sorry, Neil Diamond), "If they were to drop a bomb on this place tonight (and they better not), all the musical production shows in the city would have to shut down." Who knew, for example, that comic/actress Vita Corimbi is also a pianist and songwriter? We didn't, until we saw and heard her at the most recent showcase. A Las Vegas native, Vita is a gifted and award winning performer, recording artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and, as she says, legend in her own mind. She has been a professional since she was in her teens, soloing as a classical pianist with some symphony orchestras. She has played for former New York mayor, Rudy Giuliani, served as musical director for Tony n' Tina's Wedding, and performed with legends like Tom Jones and Wayne Newton. She has received three Emmy Awards for performance and music composition. Vita is a sought after voiceover and jingle artist with national and international credits, and is the creator of a myriad of original comedy characters that have been showcased in numerous television events. Her most well known alter ego is probably the outrageous, one-liner spewing, buxom blonde lounge lizard and Las Vegas ambassadress, Bunny LaShay, who has become a corporate, cabaret and drag queen icon. Vita is working on a one-woman show called Tongue Firmly Planted In Cheek. The piece is near and dear to her heart and the subject is one of her favorites - herself. Until you have a chance to see her performing on Broadway, you can catch Vita Corimbi in Menopause the Musical, currently at the Las Vegas Hilton. See what you can learn by reading Claire Voyant?

* * * * * *

Nelson Sardelli is up to his old tricks again...and that's a good thing. Next week, Sardelli's non-club club, FIORE (Fun Italians Organizing Ridiculous Events), will honor one of the group's many presidents, Artie Schroeck, at a non-meeting meeting. As usual (for the past few months, anyway), the non-event event will be held at Take One in downtown Vegas. If you are not familiar with Artie Schroeck (and his lady, Linda November, hopes you aren't TOO familiar with him), here's what we can tell you. Artie has been playing piano and drums since he was three. That means he has had about 66 years since then to practice. It also means he will have many stories to share as he is simultaneously roasted and regaled by his peers. Over the past six decades, Schroeck has worked with the crème de la crème of music. His resume includes a history with artists whose names run from A (Paul Anka) to Z (that would be Liza (with a Z) Minnelli), and plenty more in between, among them Petula Clark, Sammy Davis Jr., Neil Diamond, Lionel Hampton, Kenny Loggins, Barry Manilow, Louie Prima, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme and Frankie Valli. As a musician, Schroeck also worked on films such as The Deer Hunter and The Sunshine Boys, as well as on commercials for McDonald's and Dannon Yogurt. We hope Artie Schroeck's pals aren't too hard on him, as he is probably worn out after all that work.

* * * * * *

Andre Agassi	Kelly Clarkson	Jerry Lewis

One of our city's most successful and anticipated benefits will take place in the MGM Grand Garden Arena on October 6^th. This will be the 12^th year for Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for Children. Presented by Genworth Financial, the event, benefiting the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, is possibly the biggest entertainment night of the year in Las Vegas. It appears that American Idol's first winner, Kelly Clarkson, will play the MGM Grand Garden Arena after all. Her solo concert at the venue was canceled a couple of months ago, but she is scheduled to entertain at the Agassi fundraiser, along with Tony Bennett, David Foster, Matchbox 20, Carlos Santana, Jerry Seinfeld and George Wallace. In addition to the announced performers, you never know who might show up unannounced. Over the past 11 years, some of the expected and unexpected entertainers who showed up to support Agassi and his causes include Oleta Adams, Mary J. Blige, Michael Buble, Phil Collins, Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow, Celine Dion, Ellen DeGeneres, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Gloria Estefan, Mick Fleetwood, Glenn Frey, Josh Groban, Don Henley, Faith Hill, India.Arie, Billy Joel, Sir Elton John, Jay Leno, George Lopez, John Mayer, Sarah McLachlan, Tim McGraw, Brian McKnight, Martina McBride, Dennis Miller, Stevie Nicks, Lionel Richie, LeAnn Rimes, Ray Romano, Seal, Rod Stewart, Barbra Streisand, Tears for Fears, Usher, Luther Vandross, Robin Williams and Stevie Wonder. Agassi's Foundation has raised more than $61 million for at-risk children in Southern Nevada. According to the internet site, Wikipedia, Agassi's charity often assists children with athletic potential. His Boys & Girls Club sees 2,000 children throughout the year and boasts a world-class junior tennis team. It also has a basketball program (the Agassi Stars) and a rigorous system that encourages a mix of academics and athletics. In 2001, Agassi opened up the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, a tuition-free charter school for at-risk children, grades K through 12, in the area. (Ironically, Agassi never finished his own formal education due to his decision to turn pro.) Among other child-related programs that Agassi supports through his Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation is Clark County's only residential facility for abused and neglected children called Child Haven. In 1997, Andre donated funding to Child Haven for a six-room classroom building now named the Agassi Center for Education. His foundation also provided $720,000 to assist in the building of the Andre Agassi Cottage for Medically Fragile Children. This facility opened in December 2001 and accommodates developmentally delayed or handicapped children and children quarantined for infectious diseases. It houses approximately 20 beds and gives children with special needs the attention needed to make them feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Individual ticket prices are $50, $70 and $90, while tables - Gold, $17,500; Platinum, $40,000; and Diamond, $85,000. (All Silver tables have sold out.) - are available on a first-come, first-served basis (a non-refundable deposit is required). Each sponsorship includes a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, gift item, live auction and concert seating for 10. Tickets may be purchased at the MGM Grand box office and all Ticketmaster locations. For more information, call (702) 227-5700, or e-mail info@agassi.net. For those that don't know, tennis phenom Andre Agassi was born and raised in Las Vegas.

And speaking of charitable events, the 42^nd annual MDA telethon took place in Las Vegas over Labor Day weekend. Opening with Dick Feeney's (that's with three "E"s) Flying Elvi, the telethon's host, Jerry Lewis, "appeared" to join the parachuting jumpsuit-attired men as they leapt from an airplane, landing in the parking lot of the South Point hotel/casino, home of the telethon for the past two years . We seriously doubt that, even if he wanted to do so, Lewis' life insurance agent would have gone along with the "flying" idea. It did make for good television, and provided great aerial shots of the city. Although we didn't stay awake for the entire 20 plus hour marathon, we did see entertainers David Cassidy, Celine Dion (on tape from her show at Caesars Palace), Clint Holmes (who earned a well-deserved standing ovation for his self-penned message song, If Not Now When), magicians Ed Alonzo and Lance Burton (performing separately), ventriloquist Ronn Lucas, and the cast of Matsuri, currently at the Sahara. While Lewis handled things from Las Vegas, Tony Orlando kept things running in New York. In its most successful year yet, $63.7 million was raised nationally, with generous Las Vegans contributing more than $1 million in the fight against neuromuscular diseases. Congratulations to longtime friend, casting director Eddie Foy III (he deals with the performers), on a job well done.

We can't help but think that the very outspoken Jerry Lewis needs a spin-doctor to advise him on what he should and shouldn't say in public. In a matter of a few days, he managed to offend a lot of people by (1) the on-air use of the "f" word (not the four letter "f" word, but the anti-gay slur), referring to someone as "an illiterate f_ gg_t," (2) suggesting that tabloid favorites, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie and Britney Spears, need lobotomies (we think these bad girls definitely need SOMETHING, but not lobotomies) and (3) stating that the late Merv Griffin deserved to die, "because he knew about his prostate cancer and did nothing about it." We do not think old age is an excuse for bad behavior. Maybe, at 81, Mr. Lewis just doesn't give a rat's ass what anybody thinks about him.

* * * * * *

Las Vegas resident Karole Foreman is appearing in the Welk Resort Theatre's production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. The always busy, multi-talented Ms. Foreman recently appeared in Clint Holmes' bio-musical, Just Another Man, at UNLV and frequently performs in the monthly Composers Showcase (mentioned above). Thoroughly Modern Millie, with Karole playing the role of Muzzy, opens tonight and runs through November 4^th. To make reservations at the Escondido (outside of San Diego) theater, call (888) 802-7469.

* * * * * *

For the reader who wrote to ask if The Scintas were working in Las Vegas, the answer is "no." But that is about to change. The group, that first appeared at the Las Vegas Hilton in May of 2000, will return to that venue, beginning on September 24^th. At the time of the inquiry, the Scintas had just closed at the Sahara after a six-month run. Prior to the Sahara gig, Frank, Joe and Chrissi Scinta, along with their non-family family member Pete O'Donnell, had played at the Rio in a showroom that bore their name. At the time of the Sahara closing, we don't think the Scintas had any idea where they would next perform in Southern Nevada. Now they know. When the group returns to the Hilton's Shimmer Cabaret, they will have an all-new show with a brand new name, LOL (Laugh Out Loud) with the Scintas. Performance times will be at 9:30 p.m., with an added 2 p.m. matinee on Mondays. The Scintas will be off on Thursdays. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling (702) 732-5755 or (800) 222-5361.

The Scintas	Darcus

And, for the reader who wanted to know where they could see Darcus, we now have an answer for them as well. This Sunday, September 9^th, the talented lady will be doing a turn at the Bootlegger Bistro as part of Kelly Clinton's Celebrity Spot Light. Dinner seating is at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8. On a more regular (we hope) basis, Darcus entertains Thursdays, from 8 p.m. to midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., at Sonny's Casino & Tavern, located at 4145 S. Grand Canyon Drive (near West Flamingo and the 215 freeway). For more information (or better directions), call (702) 889-1005.

Have a question about Las Vegas? Want to make a comment (be nice, now)?
If so, drop an e-mail and ask. Click Here
Cousin Claire will do her best to find the answer for you.

Claire Voyant’s portrait by Charlie Frye