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THE FULL MONTI APRIL 29, 2012

To all my readers;
This column comes to you directly from my hospital bed here in Las Vegas. The moral of this story is to stay fully hydrated, which is difficult here in the Valley. Keep drinking water all day long. Believe me, I found that out the hard way--but I'm still here!

In my job as a columnist and one who has to keep his eye on what’s happening in the Valley, I get to see a lot of shows and an opportunity to evaluate the potential of talent in Vegas. That being said, there’s a new show at The Westin – The Will Edwards Show - that's being presented in “the most comfortable showroom in Vegas.” This talk show has it all: quirky characters, bright and current banter, lots of “free stuff” to the audience members, spirited interviews and talented performers.

The night we saw it, there was a singer that I’m sure we’ll see around town in the future. Will Edwards has a future in this town because he has brought a new twist to the showroom genre. He appears at the Westin every 2nd and 4th Wednesday night, and he’s offering one of the most innovative libations in town that I’m sure will become a Vegas staple – the Ghettotini.

We love events with a purpose. The Neurofibromatosis-Network (NF), which was founded in 1988 in an effort to help families affected by NF (tumors growing along the nervous system) will sponsor a fundraising event featuring Flightinez, the Freemont Street Experience and the cast of Jersey Boys to help raise awareness (and funds) as supporters zip down the zip lines. The event takes place on Monday, May 7, from noon until midnight, and the cast of Jersey Boys will be on-hand to kick off festivities at noon.

Most of us have mothers and as we contemplate celebrating their importance in our lives there is a long list of possibilities that Caesar Entertainment is sponsoring at their resorts, including Jubilee!, the elaborate retro-glamorous extravaganza featuring gorgeous showgirls, lavish costumes, dazzling scenery, specialty acts and sheer pageantry. If Mom (or moms-to-be) have any ideas about becoming real life showgirls, there is an all-access Backstage Walking Tour, which gives guests the rare opportunity to get behind the scenes of Las Vegas’ longest running showgirl production.

If Mom likes music and you can’t serenade her, think about Matt Goss the British songster, who can probably fill the bill. The song stylist is at the Gossy Room at Caesar’s. Celine will be back at the Colosseum this summer from June 9 thru August 19. Donny & Marie are at The Flamingo along with George Wallace, who reportedly has the funniest 10 p.m. show in Vegas. Human Nature is at the Imperial Palace, Jersey Boys at Paris Las Vegas, and this is just the tip of the entertainment iceberg.

Speaking of Jersey Boys, this is a show that should be seen more than once. I've seen it sevral times and never tire of the story, music and the great performances byl the "boys". The cast has defilnitely settled into the new surroundings at Paris Las Vegas. There is a strong interaction withl the audiience, as most of them are familiar with the music.

As many of you know, I have a special place for this in that it was MY era. Bob Crewe, the genius behind the "Boys" also wrote and produced my hit recordings of that same era. Thlis is outstanding theater and that is why the Broadway and national companies, especially Las Vegas, are enyoying such a huge success.

Taylor Hicks, who won American Idol’s fifth season, will have an eight-week residency beginning Tuesday June 26 at The Indigo at Bally’s. Hicks will be the first American Idol winner to have a long-term residency. I’ve often bemused about the futility of this genre, but Hicks should be a welcome addition to the entertainment stream here in Vegas. The Indigo is now under construction and will be a great new venue for whoever may be performing there. Looks like a comeback for entertainment at Bally's. Jubilee will finally have siblings!

There is a new cantina in town, Carlos’ and Charlie's World Famous Mexican Grill & Fiesta at the Flamingo. We need new ways to spread cheer and this location is supposed to offer an array of activities for those who aren't the faint of heart. There is only one admonishment in the publicity for this new establishment and that is to not feed their waiters. I may have to sniff around and see what happens if you do!

Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley were here last week in a special concert for the high rollers at Caesar’s Entertainment. This concert, held in the auditorium at Planet Hollywood, was a 2-hour romp and was a wonderful way to celebrate those who choose to wager at Harrah’s properties.

Congratulations to the Grand View and their expansion project. They had the largest concrete pouring in a couple of years and it is wonderful to see that this project may get folks back to work and even cause a drop in the unemployment rate for the city. The strip is expanding and this was an exciting observation. Village Square mall is undergoing a renovation and expansion. Several new stores have already signed leases. Things are definitely looking up.

"Garin Bader: Musical Magic" shows can be seen on May 6 at Green Valley Ranch Resort and on May 13 at
Aliante Station. Bader is a master magician, an accomplished pianist and a great showman in general. For more information please call 702-638-5061 or lwright@sunciltyaliante.us.

How about Lindsay Lohan playing Elizabeth Taylor in the soon to be filmed production about Liz and Richard Burton. Burton's, role has not yet been cast, so here I am producers, I can play either part. Oh-these comebacks are so exhausting!

Poor Gladys Knight, she had to get back on "That Midnight Train" After a nice run on Dancing With The Stars, she got her walking papers this week. The cast and crew loved every minute spent with her and were sorry to see her go. She may not have been one the best dancers but she sure is one of our best singers.

"Keeping Up withThe Kardashians" will keep Kim and family busy as TV's E! channel has extended their contract for another 3 seasons. Those girls,(this generation's Gabors) are not only beautiful, but they do have what it takes to succeed in business. And don't forget, Mama is there to hold the reigns. Speaking of the "K's" Kim is being seen everywhere with Kanye West. Some say it's love while others feel it's a publicity stunt for a business venture that they arerumored to be planning.

The Britney Spears residency deal with the Hard Rock has reportedly not been signed yet. If the deal goes through she would perform at The Joint (4000) seats as a semi-regular. The new management, after seeing the success of Motely Crue recently, wants to appeal to a larger share of the population, and feel that Britney,who has sold more than 100 million albums, fits that bill.

JUST IN---- Tommy Wind has just signed a 3-year deal to headline at the new Boulevard Theater on the Strip beginning June27th. He will be the youngest resident entertainer on the Strip and his new show will blow you away. He is finishing his successful run at the Clarion and will close on May 5th. Congratulations Tommy!

The Rev. Monti wishes you only the best!

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MONTI -LICIOUS 4/21/12

This week “the world’s oldest teenager” Dick Clark died. Talk about the end of an era, this guy was the epitome of establishing a brand that will not be equaled for years to come. American Bandstand was a local show in Philadelphia that Dick Clark convinced ABC into making into a national show. He was in a market where he realized the power that he held in his hand with this show. More importantly, he put a white, less threatening face on rock and roll and personalized the music the kids of America had discovered and that was becoming an important part of their lives. What is the connection that I had with Dick Clark? In 1973 I was Disco Tex with the Sexolettes (7 million seller) and I had done Bert Sugarman’s Midnight Express. But the impact that Dick Clark and American Bandstand had for me took the record to new heights. When he was behind you, you knew that you had the backing of the musical leprechaun.

For those of us who were lucky enough to be anointed by Dick Clark, you had the blessing of the musical Pope of America. He had no biases whether you were black, gay, disco or whatever. He rewarded talent and was able to encourage it. You had not arrived in the recording industry until you did American Bandstand. Dick Clark “discovered” James Brown, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Chubby Checker and Lionel Ritchie (among others) who had careers but he made them acceptable and approachable on a wider stage. He brought that wild musical form into our living rooms every day and a new and important cultural interaction was born. Dick was also an entrepreneur who brought us the Golden Globes, the Pyramid game shows (all iterations), New Year’s Rocking Eve - and don’t forgetThe Bloopers that came decades before YouTube. He wrote the tune (or accepted it anyway) that was to become the theme song for America and he will be greatly missed.

One of the most pleasantly surprising , unbelievable evenings at the MGM was Mike Tyson’s “Undisputed Truth.” We’ve got to thank and give kudos to Kiki Tyson, and of course the writer/collaborator on the script Randy Johnson. I went back on closing night and I was pleasantly surprised by Tyson’s humanity, his candid recalling of the bad, the good and the ugly side of his life. Some of it was indeed dark. He makes no apologies except when it comes to Robin Givens and Brad Pitt. So Robin you just missed being Angelia Jolie (who by the way is really a Voight girl with more liberal tendencies)!!

Again, my bows to the producer Adam Steck for having the vision and courage to experiment on an unknown theatrical person (though, otherwise terribly notorious ) and in my opinion it was a very good evening. Before taking this show to New York and other locations, I have a few suggestions: more video, more film and photographs and maybe an intermission. It's hard to sit for over two hours without a break, but in my estimation it will do well in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and other major cities. Just a thought!!

Adam Steck, who is a fan and a friend of this columnist, has always been a supporter of my brand. Just think of Human Nature, Thunder From Down Under, the Australian Bee Gees Show, the Frank Marino Divas Show, and of course, there’s also American Storm, Night Scholl 4 Girls, Sylvia Browns,\and Pawn Stars - Gold & Silver Road Show. etc. etc. This guy knows Vegas and what will work here. This is his crowning achievement as a producer, taking a show like The Undisputed Truth” to a new level of theater - taking a controversial personality, creating a one-man show and bringing it all to life. Vince Nell and a host of others too numerous to name attended the performance. I was there and that was important.

We enjoyed a lovely evening and opening at Tropicana. First was dinner at Bacia’s restaurant presented by Chef Carla Pellegrino. We dined on exquisitely prepared salmon, shrimp scampi, pasta primavera and delightful artisan breads and salads. We shared a wonderful tiramisu, which was almost floating due to its lightness and delicacy. We licked our spoons. Then it was off to see “Dancing with the Stars” and it did not disappoint. A well-oiled production starring Carson Kressley and Stacey Schwimmer with Joey Fatone and other past contestants. All the judges were pleasingly positive. The dancing was beyond great, the staging brilliant and give it up to AEG for having this wonderful production at Tropicana, which needed a hit show. I will go back to see this production because I wasn’t feeling well with all the filming, photographing and other duties related to my new album. It is so hard to be me. These comebacks are killing me. I know it is killing you. Oh my dears, to be the Queen of Vegas is a real job!

Las Vegas, as in many other areas of our nation, supports many animal rights movements. Here are just two of the many organizations that are constantly working to aid our domestic pets. The Nevada SPCA is putting on its 2nd annual “Animals In Wonderland Champagne and High Tea” on April 26 at the Spanish Trail Country Club. The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a red carpet arrival, silent auction and a raffle for a pair of diamond studs. The event will honor senior dogs that will be up for adoption. They will be escorted down the red carpet and presented on stage by local celebrities, such as former Mayor Oscar Goodman, Chrissi Scinta of the Scintas and other TV personalities. Tony award-winner Anthony Crivello of Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, and some of his co-stars will perform.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 496-0248. For more information go online to www.nevadaspca.org. Then we have the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, which is holding a fund-raising benefit on May 5. This organization works on helping to control Nevada's domesticated animal population. For more information please call 702-227-5555 or visit www.hcws.org.

The American Heart Association and Go Red for Women will help raise funds in the fight against heart disease among women. Net revenue from Zipline rides at the Fremont Street Experience on April 30 from noon to midnight will be donated to this worthy organization. For additional information please call 702-410-7999 or visit www.flightlinezfremont.com/

Our good friend Patrick "Pat" Mascola, the owner/publisher of Around Town - the bible of what's going on with South Florida's night life - has written his first novel after 50 years as a journalist, columnist and publicist centering on the entertainment industry. Hell on East Rock has been very well received and already garnered two Hollywood film offers. The story is filled with enough love, mystery, betrayal and revenge to entertain us all. The book is available at Amazon.com or call 954-978-2191!

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MONTI - LICIOUS APRIL 13, 2012

This week, we who are in the entertainment business, along with her family, are mourning the death of a great talent - Michaelina Bellamy. Every time I met her she always had something nice and pleasant to say to me, but she was a drama queen.She was a great singer who once starred in the Folies Bergere and also appeared with Engelbert Humperdinck (didn’t we all?). I hope he remembers me!! Remember the incident with the Rev. George Chaanine at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church and Michaelina? This was scandalous but now we want to let her rest in peace. We hope that the show biz community can give her the proper send off. Michaelina, we’re gonna miss you!

As I reported last week, I’ll be seeing Dancing with the Stars at the Tropicana. This is the live touring show, featuring Lacey Schwimmer and Dmitry Chaplin of the TV troupe along with some of the past contestants. The show is set to run for 12 weeks.The big news from TV's DWTS is that Sherri Shepherd got booted off and she was crying, crying and crying. Stop it! Stop it! She had her day in the spotlight. With her great personality and sense of humor, Sherrie made sure there was never a dull moment both on and off stage. The View needs her back because the show is never quite the same when she's away. Gladys Knight is hanging in there and her days with The Pips must be paying off. Is it something in the genes, 'cause she ain’t looking bad!! Melissa Gilbert, of Little House on the Prairie fame, fell and suffered a concussion. When I asked what happened, they told me that she fell on her career or was it Max’s leg? Either of which are reasons to put a career on hold. Also, the good-looking Jack Wagner just found his long, lost daughter who he had never seen until recently. Their meeting has had a happy ending, and they are very much a family along with his two sons. Mr. Rock is also looking for his two missing sons, Rick and Dick! If you’re out there guys, e-mail me because I have trouble with those phone calls – “I may be your Daddy!"

Speaking of the Tropicana, this newly refurbished hotel/casino is aiming to become the #1 comedy spot in town. Last week, Jamie Masada opened The Laugh Factory. Mr. Masada now has four Laugh Factory locations. He mixes well-known comedy stars with lesser-known, but not necessarily less talented, comedians. He has many ideas of how to make this place stand out from the many other comedy spots in town.

For those of you who want to know, Clint Holmes was completely sold out for three shows. Some of the famous people in attendance were Earl Turner, Frank Sinatra Jr. and too many others to print in this column. They couldn’t find a ticket for me, and I couldn't even find one to purchase. Shame on all of you. Enough said!!

What is all the brouhaha about Howard Stern and America Has No Talent? Haven’t we milked this cow enough? Sharon Osborne, Miss Know-It-All, talks like we care, but we don’t. Furthermore, what is happening with Oprah? Did she make a mistake giving up her talk-show venue to help the weeping souls of America? She didn’t help me at all. She never called, she never invited me on the show to serve as a motivational speaker or anything. Tony Robbins has nothing on Monti Rock, and I bet I have more in common with Oprah’s audience, or even the newly cancelled Rosie O’Donnell, and I can even do hair and decorate. A modest triple threat. Word is that Rosie and Donald Trump are teaming up for a new show. It is hard to figure out where these rumors start (or do I start them?) and whether those highly-publicized fights were nothing but fodder for the press to build a future audience.

I have to give it to Penn and Teller. Penn is doing a great job for Opportunity Village and he is doing a great job on Celebrity Apprentice. If only he had God in his life. I love Mr. Arsenio Hall, but it is clear to me that he needs to get a life. Another talk show would work and now that Oprah has some openings, she should reach out to him. How many new reality shows are we doing in Vegas? We have Pawn Shop and the new Housewives of Vegas. I should be one of those tortured souls – follow me around with my maids, drivers and folks with dust busters. Why don’t we do a reality program about the foreclosure folks who could really use the money?

A big shout out to Criss Angel and his staff – the show is terrific and his staff at the Luxor greeted me with graciousness, kindness and I am even on their Great Wall of Stars. Thank you, Criss.

For the best breakfast in town for a mere $3.95 check out Levy’s Delicatessen on W. Sahara. Scrumptious and a bargain at this price! You get a bagel, eggs, home fries, and if you mention my name and that you saw the reference in this column, you get a cup of coffee. (Condiments included!!)

We saw Carl William, a French Canadian singer, who has been doing a lot of cruises and is now in the Wolf Theater at the Clarion. He has a full sound and his treatment of some of the standards from the songbook and other locations is quite refreshing and he’s good.

Does Marie Osmond have a talk show? We know that Donnie is having throat problems and is currently resting. Marie, when you begin your show, I want to be your co-host. I can talk and I can talk and I can talk. Yadda, Yadda, Yadda!

The 10th Anniversary of X Burlesque at Flamingo is happening right now. The show has been revamped and reworked and in Vegas years (not unlike dog years) it's quite amazing that the show has survived 10 years.

Las Vegas has "lost" the MDA Telethon, which returns to Los Angeles in September. The telethon without Jerry Lewis is not quite the same, no matter how much money is pledged. As we all know, Jerry is no longer connected with the organization. However, he is busy putting the finishing touches on his stage adaptation of The Nutty Professor, which he hopes to bring to Broadway.

Rod Stewart has confirmed his return to the Colosseum this fall. Tickets for September and October shows went on sale April 13. For more information visit www.thecolosseum.com or www.ticketmaster.com or call 900-745-3000. Rod has lived one of the most successful music careers of all time, and he has written a soon-to-be released autobiography. This show is high on the"must-see" list.

The Red Rock Resort will be reopening Cherry Nightclub as a summer weekend venue from May 25 through October. This will be an indoor/outdoor nightlife experience. Cherry is known for its mirrored entrance that leads out onto the main dance floor and club. For more info contact the Red Rock Resort.

David de Alba - "The Cuban Legend" - returns to the Onyx Theater in June with his show Finocchio Backstage Memories -The Final Chapter. David is a true female impersonator who performs live, with his own fabulous voice without lip-synching. He is definitely one of the finest entertainers ever to appear at the legendary Finocchio's in San Francisco. For more information call 702-333-6699.

Mike Tyson began his 6 performance run at the MGM last Friday. This one man show runs the gamut of emotions from pity to fascination. He spoke of his mother, his trainer, his ex-wife, Robin, his rape conviction, and more. He was funny, raw, pensive at times , etc., etc. With a little more tweaking by producer Adam Steck ane director Randy Johnson, this show could be a big hit on a national tour.

In other news, yours truly has a new record album, Fiesta, and soon you will be seeing billboards. How divine that you will get the chance to see the fabulous columnist bigger than life and truly you’ll get a chance to see The Full Monti.

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MONTI -LICIOUS APRIL 6. 2012

This has been a thrillingly lucky week for yours truly! Taping a new video, I am channeling Lady GaGa's vibrations - she is one of the most creative and imaginative minds of our times.

I spent one hour with the wonderful John Katsilometes, New Media editor of Greenspun Media Group. Kat With the Dish...funny, funny, funny...informative, entertaining, great interviews! We spoke of what it really takes to be a columnist. How to dish it out, take it in and communicate it to your readership.

Mr. Rock has many fans and many detractors. So, be it!!!!! I'm a brand, a legend, an icon - my business is gossip! Even this week, people called and commented on my statement that there were too many comics and too much magic on the Strip! I created a reaction and that's what reporting and writing a column is all about!!! Make your readers react and think about what you have written...

John and Shannon Bentham, of Ivory Star Productions, which is behind Defending the Caveman, Marriage Can Be Murder and at the Golden Nugget a brand new version of Country Stars - Kevin Burke at the D. John and his three beautiful children were at their new home where he designed the Monti Rock T-shirt and graphics for Fiesta! - my new endeavor in the world of music. John has also been a consultant on The Lion King Las Vegas and with the Golden Nugget on Gordie Brown's opening in 2009. I thank him for all his fabulous work!! He is a truely talented artist.

Did you hear that The Best little Whorehouse in Texas will be opening at the Plaza? I remember seeing the show with Tommy Tune. The newest revival will be opening on Thursday, April 19th.

Last week I reported that Scott Santodonato, of the Las Vegas Magazine Strip, is one of our town's premier photographers, publishers and promotional marketing experts. He and his staff are doing my new round of photo. 'sThank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also reported last week that Dancing With the Stars was coming to the Tropicana. It is kind of a nice fit - a new comedy room and a new showroom with a glorious past. We happen to love this property! My other favorite property, the HLV (the Hilton) has Chicago coming, along with a line up that includes the great Liza Minnelli!

What is the current news with the Oprah Winfrey Network??? Is it too much Oprah - too many life lessons - too much angst? OWN just canceled Rosie O'Donnell's show, but who wouldn't cancel that woman? Her wicked mouth has out lasted her 1,500 minutes of fame. By the way, Ms. Rosie is getting married again and again and again. Hey! Rosie! Remember I'm a licensed Reverend. Maybe I should perform the marriage for you and bring you better luck!

The Smith Center's Cabaret Jazz, was totally sold out for Clint Holmes' opening weekend, Golda's Balcony is also SRO, and it was a wonderful, eloquent performance by Tovah Feldshuh. If you are a local, get four or more shows for only $24. You can't beat this price anywhere! I recommend the Smith Center very highly. It has brought polish, panache, talent and culture to our city. This cultural centerpiece cost almost $500 million and is worth every nickel.

Last week, the Country Music Awards at the MGM and Mandalay Bay, was dazzling. Oooh---I love you Blake Shelton! His is the very image that has taken country and made it mainstream. Have you seen him on The Voice? Speaking of which, Cee Lo Green is now shopping at Savers and he bought my old wigs and sequined attire. I donated them to Big Brothers and Big Sisters and he found them at Savers. I guess this proves that recycling really works!
Also, a shout out to Mr. Criss Angel. You are a star and you made this columnist a fan! Your generosity and kindness will never be forgotten! Jersey Boys at Paris is wowing the crowds. Check out the Sugar Factory while you are there - a chocolate aroma world that's decadently divine.

Aliante Station Casino has got some big shows lined up this month. Jack Walker and Friends, featuring singer/actor Lou De Meis and virtuoso concert pianist Garin Bader is set for April 22 and The Platters Revue on April 29. This revue features Monroe Powell, who was the group's lead singer longer than any other of the legitimate members of The Platters.

This just in: The Sahara Hotel reportedly will be completely refurbished and ready to reopen in 2013. The money necessary for the project has been approved and workers should start on the renovations very soon. The Sahara Roller Coaster will be replaced by a beer garden. This is good news for the north end of the Strip and shows that there is still confidence in the future of Las Vegas. Those of us who live and work here always felt that way.

Our good friend, Pat Mascola, has written a great new novel, "HELL ON EAST ROCK". after 52 years working in entertainment, publicity and publishing in Florida. The book, a story full of romance, suspense, and redemption already has 2 movie offers in the works. Pat is currently the owner/publisher of Around Town , South Florida's leading entertainment publication For more information visit HELL ON EAST ROCK AMAZON.COM. or call 954-971-8008.

The Rev. Monti hopes you had a great Easter/Passover Weekend and, as always, wishes you only the best.

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MONTI-LICIOUS MARCH 30, 2012

This week, yours truly Monti Rock III, has been a whirlwind – with luncheons and dinners – all in anticipation of the release of my new record called FIESTA. We have been working on this project for almost two years. It is a re-mix dance record (The Latin from Manhattan) produced by Platinum Rock, Louis Martine and it will be a fun experience with Monti Rock doing "Lady CaCa" (the emergence of Lady Gaga’s grandmother).Also this week I will be enshrined into the Entertainment Consumers’ Exchange Hall of fame and will receive the Excellence in Entertainment Sweet Louis Living Legend Award. Also on the dais will be The Shades of Sinatra being honored with the Tribute Show of the Year and Pascale Elia with the Horizon Award for new or emerging star of tomorrow.

I have been trying to buy tickets to the Clint Holmes event at The Smith Center Jazz Cabaret but the early shows have been completely sold out. You go Clint! You go Man! Also at The Smith Center this week was the announcement that Wicked, West Side Story, Anything Goes tickets are still available for $24. Other than Wicked,most shows will run for one week olny. Over at the Tropicana was the announcement that Dancing with the Stars -live show- will be there April 14-July7. Lacey Schwimmer ahd Dmitri Chaplin are heading a grooup of former contestants and celebs.

Sometimes as a columnist I get bombarded with press releases which raises the question – Is there too much of a good thing with magic shows? When I arrived here there was Sigfried and Roy and Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo. In this day and age we have David Copperfield and the “Mick Jagger” of magic , Criss Angel at the Luxor (who I am a big fan of because he brings so much new to the arena). How many magic acts do we need to change a light bulb? The younger performers such as Tommy Wind at the Clarion (still fine-tuning the show), Jan Rouven at the Riviera, and Seth Grabel (the guy from America’s Got Talent at the Royal Resort), Mac King, Nathan Burton and Michael Turco. Another favorite has always been Melinda, The First Lady of Magic, who is now appearing in "V-The Ultimate Variety Show" at Planet Hollywood.Melinda is the sister of talented producer David Saxe. The Magic Theatre at the Gold Coast is closing after their contract expires this month and the Avant Garde magic show has closed to be re-vamped and may re-open with a new name at The Plaza.

Between the magic and the comedy rooms do we have too much of a good thing?. I like Brad Garrett (formerly at the Tropicana) who is now opening is new comedy room at the MGM. This should prove to be the best of the comedy rooms because of the decor, comfort and some ofthe best comics around. We have to respect Brqad Garrett because he seems to have a well-oiled machine and the MGM is backing him all the way. Then there is Big Al's at the Orleans, the Improv at Harrah's and The Empire Comedy Room at Paris Las Vegas. The always hilarious Bobby Slayton will be at The Empire at the end of April. The list goes on!

JUST IN; The Laugh Factory Las Vegas at the Tropicana has booked comedy magician 'Murray" Sawchuck for an limited engagement beginning April 30. Murray's unique blend of comedy and magic makes for a perfect partnership for the Laugh Factory Las Vegas. MAny of us know Murray from his appearances on America's Got Talent, (a semi-finalist) and "Pawn Stars".

My staff went to see Seth Grabel from America’s Got Talent who tell me that he could easily become one of the new bright lights on the Vegas horizon. They enjoyed his demeanor, the illusions were up close and personal and his interaction with the audience was charming. He has stage presence and with any luck will be in a venue that supports his broad approach to comedy, athletics and magic. It was a really quick hour and we predict that Seth will be around for a while. America’s Got Talent seems to be doing a great job of placing acts that finish further down than #1.

The Golden Steer, Las Vegas' oldest and one of the finest steakhouse is also known for its celebrity clientel. Over the years booths have been dedicated to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr.,. Dean Martin, Shecky Greene, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe just to name a few. The most recent dedicaation is the addition of Mayors Oscar and Caroline Goodman. Dine at The Golden Steer and you will be eating adn drinking with the above mentioned stars and others. This place really takes us back to the Las Vegas that was.

We had a great lunch with Scott Santos, who does marketing and publicity for La Cage and Crazy Girls, and his father Scott Phillip Santodonato at Habib's. Santodonato has toured with many musicians ; Kid Rock, Cyndi Lauper and Joan Jet as a vocalist, bassist, keyboardist, and drummer. He also was a sound engineer for Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, and Bon Jovi, among others. Santodonato has also written jingles for companies such as Ford, GM, and KFC. He is also an ace photogtrapher and will be photographing me for my new CD, "Fiesta" . We feel that this new venture will re-define the dance genre as did Disco Tex,(that's me),a thousand years ago. His son Scott S. and I are finalizing details for the upcoming La Cage/ Crazy Girls appreciation party.

The Coasters, Platters and Marvelettes are back at the Crown Theatre at the Rio and this is a show that always pleases because these are outstanding voices singing the music that defined the 60’s and 70’s. It is amazing that after all these years the voices (not all of them original to the groups of course) are strong, the harmonies tight and the memories wonderful.

We finally got to see Frankie Moreno at the Stratosphere . What an entertainer! He will soon be our next big star. A hit record would place him up there where he should be as he has the looks, the energy, and the stage presence that is needed to sustain audiences of all ages.

How about a donation to PARROT RESCUE. The Nevada Parrot rescue group is ALL volunteer, so all donations go to pay vet bills and such. Please consider giving t this fien organization.

The Rev. Monti once again wishes you only the best.

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A Meal With Monti
By Monti Rock III