Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide

Sunday Soiree Recognizes Backbone of Entertainment Industry

LAS VEGAS - Meatballs and lounge entertainers.

They have more in common than you think.

Which is why Las Vegas talent of yesteryear and support media will be honored during the Third Annual Meatball Awards, Sunday, April 22, at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino.

"Meatballs are a quality staple - unique, fulfilling and inexpensive - just as the collection of singers, comedians and musicians of vintage Las Vegas were a staple of our industry," said Grant Griffin, organizer of the evening event. "As the backbone of Las Vegas show business, these performers set the standards for today’s entertainers, and the indelible mark they leave deserves to be recognized."

This year’s categories and recipients are: entertainment director, Ron Garrett; impressionist, Bill Acosta; male comic, Pete Barbutti; lounge act, Sun Spots; producer, John Stuart; male singer, Laurence T.; female singer/keeping the tradition alive, Denise Clemente; magician, Fielding West; chef, Chas La Forte; press columnist, Jerry Fink; talent coordinator, Jaki Baskow; radio, Ira David Sternberg; TV anchorman, Gary Waddell; TV anchorwoman, Cathy Ray; entertainer of the year, Clint Holmes; and Las Vegas lifetime achievement, Nancy Houssels and Sam Melchionne.

Confirmed presenters are Jackie Brett, Derek David, Grant Griffin, Larry Hart, Lorraine Hunt-Bono, Cook E. Jarr, Mac King, Babe Pier, Cork Proctor, Tony Sacca, Sammy Shore, Maynard Sloate, Mike Weatherford, Mary Wilson and Steve Wolford.

Following a no-host reception beginning at 6 p.m., the awards program gets under way at 7 p.m., hosted by Cork Proctor. Artie Schroeck will conduct the Meatball Band, and musical entertainment will be provided by Society of Seven with Lani Misalucha.

After the show, guests are invited for a taste of - what else - gourmet meatballs. A total of 3,000 appetizers are being provided by Bootlegger Bistro, Viaggio, Dragonfly and Elvis’ restaurants and the Imperial Palace.

Tickets to the third annual Meatball Awards are $49.95 plus tax and may be purchased by calling the Imperial Palace at 702.731.3311. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House charities.