Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret: February 2010

Thursday, February 25, 2010

The Buzz: A New Dimension + The Awesome Entertainment!

Kelly Clinton added a new dimension to her repertoire at her open mic cabaret Monday night . For starters, Kelly opened the show with an exciting performance of Donna Summer’s hit single, On the Radio.

What, no costumes, no wigs, no comedic-celebrity impression?

Never one to disappoint the audience, Kelly surprised the crowd a little later with the premiere performance of her latest routine. Read on.

First up was Martin Mancuso, a multi-talented musician/entertainer and a really funny guy. Martin played an exhilarating blues solo on the sax, then gave us a sampling of the dance routine that made his former dance group, The Footlockers, Star Search winners in 1987. Martin bears the nickname Ricochet Rabbit, a tag he earned performing the quick-move, pop-lock dance style that landed his group the big win.

With barely a pause, Martin started stepping into a new routine. Then came the Bomb! Kelly joined him on stage for a dance number that brought the crowd to its feet. The pair wowed the fans with a perfect exhibition of authentic locking moves that led into a slow motion dance, dubbed The Handshake. Martin said Kelly was amazing, she learned the entire routine in just an hour and a half of practice time. Kelly gave Martin credit for being a great teacher!

Move over Dancing with the Stars celebrities, Vegas champion dancers Kelly and Martin are on their way.

Next up, Chazz, a fabulous three-member harmony group led by Diane Ellis with Corky DiFini and Danny Colica, presented a wonderful rendition of Can’t Buy Me Love followed by That Cat is High by The Manhattan Transfer. Chazz originally worked together in 1979 then disbanded in the 1980’s.
Lucky for the fans, they are now back together performing around Las Vegas, here at the Bootlegger and downtown at Las Vegas Rocks Cafe.

Bobby Black of the Las Vegas Tenors is back in Vegas from a busy tour schedule and the fans are really happy to see him at the open mic again. Oh, can this man sing! Bobby belted out Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone. As always, his performance was awesome!

Bobby also gave a shout about the upcoming Las Vegas Entertainers Tribute to Bill Fayne. Headliners, Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton-Holmes will host the big afternoon show at the Suncoast on March 6, at 2 pm. A lot of headliners and top performers will be there performing for Bill. For tickets, contact any Coast Casino.

The lovely, Kaci Machacyk, sang Someone to Watch Over Me. We all need to keep watch on this young lady. Not only does she sing beautifully and does a great job hosting the web broadcast, Vegas 5W, Kaci is now cast in not one, but two character roles in the theatrical production, “Two Gentlemen of Lebowski.” The West Coast Premiere opens March 18th at the Stage Door Theatre in Town Square. Get your tickets now!!

Before we go further into the Buzz on the performers at the mic, we need to step over to the side corner where we see DJ/singer/all-round tech guy, Kevin Cordova working IT on Monday nights.

Kevin adds his creative touch to every show, this time with a huge monitor sending out text messages on the big screen to the audience mentioning something about each performer. The guy has a great sense of humor, a really quick mind and fast fingers!! Kevin is the enhancement man!!!

Next up, singer/business women and star of Menopause the Musical ---Skye Dee Miles, took over the stage with a spectacular rendition of When Something is Wrong with My Baby. Skye is a dynamo personality with a fantabulous voice who never fails to give a knock-out performance. Catch the star in the laugh-a-minute musical, Menopause..... at the Luxor Hotel Casino.

Songstress and tribute artist, Elisa Furr, best known for worldwide performances of her tribute to Celine Dion, returned to the Bootlegger this Monday as ‘Elisa’ herself. She sent out the song, Sweet Thing, to her 4-year old son Brandon who was her “date” that evening. As we’ve come to expect from this super performer, Elisa’s cabaret appearance was wonderful.

Shortly after mom stepped off, Little Brandon, a fearless performer, took the stage and presented a joyful freestyle dance routine. Precious moment! (See more photos later).

Our own J.T. Thompson, Bootlegger host and a very talented singer,
gave us Everything, a popular number by Michael Buble`.

His superb performance was a treat for the fans ---and especially for J.T.’s
dad who was in for a visit from Alaska.

J.T. plays a key role in monitoring the entertainer line up --and more, to keep the show flowing every Monday night.

Popular singer, Michael Cagle, a performer we’ve seen many a night at Kelly’s shows at theBootlegger, was next up in this cabaret of fabulous performing artists
.
The colorful dresser with a big voice, gave a powerful rendition of Josh Croban’s When You Say You Love Me.

Michael recently signed with World Movement Records and the plan to begin an East Coast promotional tour are in the works.

Check out the twinkling jacket!

The very suave, Jerome Dean, added some romance to the night with his wonderful presentation of Lionel Richie’s hit tune Hello.

Jerome headlined at Kelly’s Sunday Night Celebrity Spotlight at the Bootlegger Bistro not long ago and the word is, he’ll be back in that spotlight very soon.

The awesome singer/actor/entertainer, Parris Lane, created a lot of excitement with her stylistic rendition of You Are So Beautiful ---as only Parris can do it. Behind the powerhouse singer was Kelly’s great band led by the man who can play anything a performer wants, Mike Clark, on the keys, outstanding guitarist Kevin Lyon, and sitting in for Billy Adams, Mr. Sticks, Brian Czach on the drums. Just for the fun of it, saxophone player, Cash Sax, sat in with the band.

The phenomenal singer, Bobby Rose, headlining this Sunday night (2/28) at Kelly’s Celebrity Spotlight at the Bootlegger, was outstanding last Monday night.!

Bobby, a super veteran performer with tremendous stage presence, gave a sampling of his upcoming show with an electrifying performance of Sam Cook’s, Long Time Coming. Make your reservations now. 736-4939.

Singer/jazz stylist, Kitty Montgomery, was back this week with her original version of Summertime.

This lady is a great performer with a tremendous jazz approach that we rarely see in Las Vegas!!!

What a night! Kelly Clinton’s Cabaret has to be one of the most fabulous shows in all of Las Vegas. The high caliber entertainers who perform at the open mic are truly extraordinary!!!!

Newcomer to Las Vegas, remarkable young guitarist, Merritt Mullaney, was back
for his second appearance this month. Once again, with the band behind him, Merritt
rocked the house on vocals and guitar with his performance of Pride and Joy.

Sharply dressed from head to foot, gentleman singer, Ramon (r)stepped on stage to perform People Make the World Go Round. His presentation and striking appearance was a real crowd-pleaser.

First time on stage at the open mic, country singer, Ethan Carvalho, sang ,
In This Life, then upped the tempo with a terrific performance of Sold.
Ethan just signed with manager, Lynn Green......

Another newcomer to the cabaret, a baritone singer named Gerald, claims to have started his career singing Do Wop music --does he jest?---but ended up favoring Broadway show tunes. Somewhere along the way he made the switch and this night he did a fine performance of Old Man River from the great musical Showboat .

And let’s not forget another first-timer, “Dealertainer” Lana Reiss, (below L) who portrays Gwen Stefani while dealing cards at the Imperial Palace. Lana sounded great singing Stefani‘s number, Don’t Speak.

And yes, The Boys from Seattle, Christopher Jantzi and Joshua Stuart, came in to perform their original number, Whatever You Want It to Be. With Christopher on vocals and guitar and Josh on electric guitar, the song resonated the distinct northwest sound. Playing along on the number, drummer Brian Czach was right on the beat. Seattle-based Christopher was in town for a recording session with Josh who recently moved to Vegas. Good luck guys!

Near the end of the night, drummer extraordinaire, Brian Czach,
got out from behind the drums ---with sticks still in his hands, he
kept on playing, first on the rim of the bass drum,
then without missing a beat, he moved into the audience playing on table tops,
drinking glasses and chair backs. How cool is that!!!

It was one more of those very entertaining, spontaneous performances that happen a lot at Kelly's Cabaret.

The “really big ending” came when Kelly brought
Parris Lane back up to close the night out. Parris
took her spot and did an awesome version of Fly
Me to the Moon!

Kelly joined Parris and the extraordinary band to perform the last few minutes of that number.
The crowd loved it!

The night ended on a high note as another outstanding presentation of Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret came to a close. The night ended on a high note as another outstanding presentation of Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret came to a close.

The mic is open to all talented performers at 9 pm every Monday Night at
Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret at the Bootlegger Italian Bistro, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
Bring your friends, enjoy the food and the show! For dining reservations, call 702-736-4939.

IT’S ALWAYS A BLAST!!!!

Here are more photos from the Cabaret Monday 2-22-10

See You Monday Night!!!!!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

The Buzz: Could it Be? Yes it Was. WHO?

Was that really Joan Rivers performing at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret last Monday night ---or was it that famous female impersonator, Frank Marino?
It could have been one or the other but it wasn’t!! IT WAS the absolutely fabulous singer/impressionist and all round entertainer, Kelly Clinton, who opened the show with her “adult only” comedic take on Joan Rivers. The off-color one liners, over the top anecdotes and Kelly’s original lyrics to the song The Bitch is Back launched another unforgettable evening of outstanding entertainment that brought the fans to their feet.
Master musician, Mike Clark, in the guise of Elton John, was on the keys!

When Kelly came back on as Joan, she confessed "I'm not really Joan Rivers!" (Could have fooled the crowd with the looks, the costume, the outrageous jokes and the great laughs). Off came the wig, "It's me, Kelly!"

Kicking off the evening’s line up of great entertainers, was top jazz/blues singer, Gayle Thompson-Steele, who performed her first number accompanied by her husband, musician Tommy Steele on the saxophone-- and Kelly’s super band. The audience clamored for more Gayle and their request was granted when she sang their all-time favorite Gayle Thompson- Steele number, My Funny Valentine.

A little later in the show, Tommy Steele joined the band once more for a spectacular saxophone solo piece, Europa, by famed Latin musician Gato Barbieri. Tommy followed up that excellent presentation with his triple-threat performance playing sax, harmonica and singing, I’m Ready, by Muddy Waters.

Lena Prima was next up performing Silly in the Middle, a light-hearted original about ‘that in-love feeling’ she wrote and recorded for her new album coming out in March. Then Lena (right photo) stepped up the beat with an amazing performance of her dad’s arrangement of I’ve Got You Under My Skin . (Like father like daughter, like mother like daughter. Lena’s parents are Louis Prima and Prima vocalist, Gia Maione. The apple don’t fall far….). Catch Lena at the Suncoast Hit Parade show on Thursday, February 25, at 2 pm . And, she’s headlining at the Star Bright Theater in Summerlin on Saturday evening, February 27.

Diva Michelle Johnson, fresh off the plane from a gig with Sonny Turner in Orlando, Florida, stopped by with just enough time to perform a wonderful vocal arrangement of All the Way. She announced Tuesday Night Jazz is back on at Brendon’s Pub in the Orleans The phenomenal Michelle Johnson, who seems to be booked everywhere, appears at Brendon’s one Tuesday night a month. http://www.michellejohnson.com/

A beautiful women with a voice to match , Geena Mattox, gave a powerful
performance of Stormy Weather. Geena (right) played the role of Carlotta
Guidicelli in the Las Vegas production of Phantom of the Opera.

Kelly, who does such a terrific job entertaining and hosting the Cabaret, keeps the show varied and moving with help from Bootlegger host and singer, J.T. Thompson (left) who is on the sidelines working with the entertainers who are anxiously waiting to get on the mic,

The Mastriani Fashions’ family, all in town from New York, California and here in Vegas, were at the Bootlegger Monday night dining and enjoying the show. Thanks to our dear friend, and men's apparel expert, "Marco Polo" for inviting the entire group.

Next up, Kelly introduced singer/songwriter, Andrew Scott, (photo right)
who with mic in hand, took his place on a stool and gave a terrific performance of the Caribbean style R&B number, All Night Long. So cool.

Jazz artist Kitty Montgomery stepped up in style to perform an original jazz piece. She sure can sing. Kaci Machacyk, a 23 year-old singer and the host of Vegas 5W’s web broadcasts, gave a great performance of You Know I’m No Good, by Amy Winehouse. And also, back this week was magician, Kyle Marlett with a new trick up his sleeve, and singer Jacqueline, who costumed herself as Patsy Cline for her number, Crazy. (See More Photos)

The dynamic Bobby Brooks Hamilton had the crowd groovin’ during his first number, I Can’t Help Myself . The outstanding showman followed up with a knock-out, right on, surprise take on the one and only, Little Richard. The master impressionist/musician and singer amazed the crowd when he took on the full persona of the legendary artist Little Richard with his “ I’m so pretty “ dialogue, facial expressions, vocals, and piano play ----it was all there! Bobby pulled it off with perfection --without the costume, wig, or make-up.
His performance was incredible !!

Bill Fayne, musical director for Clint Holmes and also singer extradinaire with The Las Vegas Tenors, was back this week looking really fine. Bill got up for a few minutes to talk about the upcoming special event at the Sun Coast, Las Vegas Entertainers Salute to Bill Fayne set for Saturday, March 6, at 2 pm. Bill recently experienced some serious health problems that has kept him out of work for many months now so the show is designed as a benefit performance. Bill said, in some big market cities the entertainers are always competing with one and other, “In Las Vegas we are one big family.” So true. Sitting close by, Suncoast show producer, Ed Matthews said tickets for the event are on sale at all the Coast Casinos and on line. Headliners, Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton-Holmes will host the show and Bill is looking forward to performing along with the many other great entertainers who will be on stage.

Back to the Cabaret entertainers----American Idol contestant from Season 4,
a guy who just might make it back into Season 9, Las Vegas’ own, Sham “B.
Soul” Lewis stepped onto the stage . The very talented performer sang What’s
Going On. Sham, (right photo) who bills himself as B. Soul, is currently
appearing at Jerry’s Nugget on Friday nights.

You never know what celebrity might be out in the audience, so when Kelly started singing the 1980‘s hit “Gloria” it was her segue to introduce the co-writer of that hit tune, celebrated musician/singer/songwriter and music producer, Trevor Veitch. A major player in the music industry since the 1960‘s, Trevor Veitch currently produces the “in and out” music for all the shows on the Fox Network,. Veitch was sitting in a booth with his wife Evan, and his longtime buddy from way back, Clint Holmes.

Clint Holmes joined his wife, Kelly Clinton-Holmes, on stage. The dynamic duo gave a terrific performance of Teach Me Tonight. Clint and Kelly also just arrived back in Vegas a couple of hours before the show from Florida, where Clint had a very successful tour with the Palm Beach Pops Orchestra. This kind of spontaneous performance happens a lot at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret at the Bootlegger --- the only place to be on Monday nights!

With musical director, Mike Clark on the keys, Kevin Lyon on guitar, and Billy Adams on drums, the band is so fabulous most of the performers choose to perform with live music. For those who opt for tracks, DJ/singer, Kevin Cordova is there for them. Let the music play!!!!

Closing out the night, Gerry G, a 71 years old fellow with a powerful voice, sang Unchained Melody in Italian and English. You are never too old! Gerry is going for a new career in music and as of last Monday was waiting to hear where he stands with his American Idol audition. Good Luck Gerry! Next up was Kellis David McDonald, a unique entertainer who plays guitar and harmonica while singing, gave us a wonderful performance of Hard to Get. Welcome back Kellis. In the closing number Judith Marinelli-Hayek, dressed to the nines and wearing a bright feathered boa, gave a man-pleasing performance of Hey Big Spender.

Join Us for Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret at the Bootlegger Italian Bistro every Monday Night.
Doors open at 8:30 pm. Bring yourself, bring your friends, come for dinner, come to perform, the mic is open for all talented entertainers!! It's ALWAYS A BLAST!!

Bootlegger Bistro
7700 Las Vegas Blvd. So.

Call for reservations for the dining room : 702-736-4939