Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret: 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