Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret: The Buzz: Kelly’s Back!! The Unbelievable Show!!

Every week, Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret is an amazing show of talent! Kelly was back after one Monday night off for a trip to North Carolina where her husband, Clint Holmes, is preparing to open his theatrical play, now titled “My Own Song” at the Flat Rock Playhouse next weekend.

As always, the multi-talented entertainer Kelly Clinton kicked off the night on the upbeat --- this time singing the Jackson 5 hit, “I Want You Back” with her fabulous band behind her. Sitting in the guest spot was prominent guitarist’s, Tony Drake. The super talented, Mike Clark, led on the keys and the great Billy Adams was on drums.

Kelly introduced that really sharp dresser and phenomenal singer, Paul Stubblefield, to start the line-up of amazing entertainers that performed last Monday , March 22, 2010.
Paul took the mic and let go with “Money, That’s What I Want.” co-written by Janie Bradford and Berry Gordy. With the mic in his right hand and left hand in his snazzy Blue suit pants pocket, Paul gave a few smooth dance steps and later threw in a high kick to close the number. Paul followed up with a terrific performance of “ Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.” The recording of the top tune by the Shirelles was a number 1 hit in 1961.

Here comes the most memorable and most inspiring performance of the evening ----Broadway star, Ann McCormack, who at age 89, celebrated her farewell to Vegas this night at Kelly Clinton‘s Open Mic Cabaret at the Bootlegger Bistro. The beautiful and super talented lady blew away the packed house with her powerful performance of “For Once in My Life.” Some people can be described as "ageless," Ann is definitely one of them. She’s a feisty gal with an amazing voice that’s as strong as ever. Ann starred in such Broadway smash hits as Hello Dolly, Gypsy, and Anything Goes. “ I’ve been in showbiz for 74 years,” Ann told the crowd. “ I’ve worked everyplace from dumps to the best ---even worked with Frank Sinatra.”

She said she never knew her next song was a favorite of Michael Jackson until she watched Jackson's Farewell Tribute. As it happens, the song “Smile” was co-written by John Edwin Turner ---and Charlie Chaplin, the man who made Ann’s late husband, Jackie Coogan, one of the biggest stars in the world. By chance, Ann and Jackie ran into Chaplin one day. He just finished co-writing “Smile” and he shared it with the couple. Ann said she loved it and Chaplin handed her the sheet music and said “Go out and sing it.” And she sang it once more this night with the style and vigor of the “young” woman she still is today. It was our first, and possibly the last time we will see Ann McCormack perform in Vegas. She’s off to Hawaii to be with her son, actor Don Stroud.

(Thanks to Jonathan Bollas and Dr. Warren Wheeler, two of Kelly’s biggest fans, for bringing Ann McCormack to the Bootlegger to perform for us.)

Next up at the mic, future super star, 15 year-old pro, Malia Civetz. The young and beautiful Malia gave another outstanding performance with "Someone Like You." Malia recently starred in the Las Vegas Academy production of Westside Story. She and the rest of the high school theater group will be taking a trip to New York City soon to take in the sights and see a Broadway show. Malia sent out her next song to her grandparents who were at the show celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary. The truly awesome Malia presented “I Am What I Am” from the musical La Cage aux Follies. The future looks as bright as the lights on Broadway for this phenomenal young singer, Remember her name, Malia Civetz.

As Kelly would say, her Cabaret show performers are “unbelievable!”

Another young performer, Brittany D, from Arizona, was celebrating her 21st birthday this Monday. Her cousin, Paul Stubblefield brought this soulful singer in to perform at the Cabaret on her special night. Brittany gave a terrific presentation of “Say Yes” recorded by the female British hip-hop/neo-soul duo, Floerty.......Then Kelly , J.T. and Paul came on stage to sing "Happy Birthday” Brittany!

Kelly’s dear friend from way back was up next. The fantastic singer/songwriter/composer and music producer, Gene Sironen
belted out his powerhouse rendition of “Georgia” a tune recorded by many artists but best known as a Ray Charles hit tune. Coincidently, “Georgia” was the late Frank Link’s opening number every Sunday night at the Maxim Showcase where Gene and Kelly first met. Gene said when he first saw Kelly perform there he wanted to hire her right away but another band scooped her before he could. Kelly was just 19 at the time.
By the buzz, Gene has been traveling all over the world recently handling the music for a number of shows. He’s headed for the Island of Malta this coming week on another tour.

Tribute artist and powerful vocalist, Sheila D, returned to the Cabaret for her second appearance. Sheila gave a great performance with the song, “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me.” The fabulous tune was written by Harry Noble in 1952. It was a hit tune then ---- and again when Mel Carter recorded it in 1965.
Sheila performs at special events and in Vegas shows all the time. Her incredible voice and amazing resemblance to Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli keep her in demand and performing at gigs nearly every night of the week.
P.S. Kelly and Sheila were in the same class at Clark High School. They were two of the three students chosen to sing together at their graduation ceremony held at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Up next, impersonator/comedian, Willie Asbury, gave a fabulous performance with his ‘right on’ really funny impressions of greats like Rodney Dangerfield, Richard Pryor, Howard Cosell, Muhammad Ali, Lyon Spinks, and Mike Tyson. Willie is a 20-year veteran of comedy. He’s appeared on Showtime at the Apollo on NBC and you might have caught him on HBO comedy specials or right here in Las Vegas at the Comedy Spot at the Tropicana. Years back, Willie worked with our musical conductor Mike Clark in New Jersey. His stage show this night was a big hit with the crowd.

At some point between acts, Kelly Clinton introduced the awesome singer and famed Cher impersonator, Heidi Thompson, who was in the audience. Heidi was sitting with her husband, Gene Sironen, and tribute artist DeNita Asberry.

DeNita, another really fantastic singer and our next performer of the evening, impersonates Aretha Franklin in the Legends show. With the great band behind her, the terrific vocalist and performer, DeNita stepped up to give an outstanding presentation of the beautiful Nat King Cole tune, “Inseparable.” Heidi and DeNita are both featured artists in the current Legends in Concert show at Harrah’s Las Vegas Casino & Hotel.

The next singer, the lovely Lori Simpson is back in the music business and she did a terrific rendition of “The Man That got Away” a song written for the 1954 movie, A Star is Born, with Judy Garland as the star. Lori recently appeared in the Bill Fayne tribute show and just last week she was featured in the Hit Parade show at the Suncoast. Welcome back Lori!

A Bootlegger favorite and longtime performer at Kelly Clinton shows, Michael Cagle was up next looking all fresh in his new duds ---bleached-out jeans and a hot designer shirt. It’s the make-over look inspired by Michael’s record label, World Movement Records. Michael looked great and sounded as wonderful as ever during his live music performance of "Home" from the musical, The Wiz. After his terrific show, Michael and Kelly kidded around doing voice impressions and speaking about the chances of putting together a fun bit with Michael as the Lion and Kelly as Dorothy from the The Wiz. You had to be there. That Kelly is always on.

The dynamic duo, Lisa Gay and Tony Drake, were back this week with one of their unstoppable show performances. This time, Lisa, who grew up in a musical family in East LA, introduced their first number by saying it was her mom’s suggestion she record "Watch What Happens" in her album released in 2000. So with the phenomenal guitarist, Tony Drake leading the band, Lisa sent out her fantastic vocals on their first number of the evening. The couple followed up with, an incredible performance of “Why Did I Choose You,” a beautiful tune recorded by such greats as Johnny Mathis, Barbra Streisand and Nancy Wilson. We just can’t get enough of this dynamic couple who appear under the group name, Lisa Gay and Thrill. Vegas talent agents get on this act!!!!

Another favorite, newly-wed Diva, Michelle Johnson was up next sending out her first song “for her new husband.” Michelle sang the bouncy tune, “Almost Like Being in Love.” Then she followed up with a tribute to her old friend, DeNita Asberry and her new-found friend, Lori Simpson, with a beautiful performance of "Get Here" by Brenda Russell.
(Lori Simpson recorded both of Michelle's performances at the Bootlegger Monday night. They are now on You Tube.)

Tony Drake was back on the bandstand with Mike Clark on keys and Billy Adams on drums for a performance by the awesome entertainer and star of Menopause the Musical, Skye Dee Miles. Skye let everyone know she had friends in the audience from her home state of Missouri before she started into her knock-out rendition of a medley starting with Aretha Franklin's “Evil Gal Blues” with an added bit of “All Right Okay” and “ Rock Me Baby" ---and that she did! Skye rocks!!!!

Kelly introduced “Sexy Manuel” next, who, as we all know by now, is our DJ/ tech specialist/ singer, Kevin Cordova. Kevin’s mom was in the house so it was a special night for mother and son. Kevin kicked butt on the hot rock and roll number, “Shout” written and originally recorded in 1959 by the Isley Brothers. The audience couldn’t help but join in the antics adopted from the 1978 movie, Animal House. The movie version of the song , by Otis Day & The Knights, made this tune even more famous than the previous 1962 hit recording of "Shout" by Joey Dee & The Starlighters.

Taking the beat down a bit, Kelly introduced a guy who’s “got the cool,” Andrew Scott. In his beautiful and smooth style, Andrew performed the Ray Price version of Kris Kristofferson's “For the Good Times.”
Andrew is a really talented singer who can warm the hearts of his audience with his soft-style music ---yet rock them out with his R&B soulful numbers too!!!

After a short version of her comedic impression of her mother Ellie (always an audience favorite), Kelly introduced another comedian of the night, newcomer to Las Vegas, Mr. Muhammad who tossed out quite a few political satire jokes. It was getting late, so Mr. Muhammad had to cut it short so the rest of performers could step up to the mic before the night ended.

As we said before, you just never know who will show up at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret. This next act was a real treat for the crowd. Jazz musician/recording artist, Vernell Brown, Jr. was on piano keys accompanied by Doc T. on the conga drums for a rare-style Cabaret performance. Vernell and Doc T. performed “Giant Steps,” a difficult jazz piece considered to be a milestone for jazz musicians’ progress, according to internet research. In other words, it takes a lot of skill to perform this number.

Here’s the “who” scoop: Vernell’s 1990 album, “A Total Eclipse” is considered by many to be one of the best debut jazz albums ever made.

Doc T is a master conga player ---we will have more on the Doc next time. For right now, Vernell and Doc T are appearing at the Cottage Cafe, 4647 Paradise Road.. You can catch their show there on Tuesday nights between 9 pm and 2 am.

Fascinating performer, Janicey Brar as Lady Day not only sounds like the artist she pays tribute to, her looks and facial expression are so close to the original “Lady” who sang the blues, she completely captivates the audience when they see her perform. Janicey gave us a wonderful presentation of the jazz standard, “Fine and Mellow” written and first recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939. Tribute artist, Janicey Brar as Lady Day will be appearing at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, Ca., on May 5.

DeNita Asberry was back on stage next with her partner, Will Mastro, to perform a remarkable duet of the Diana Ross’ 1970 hit, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Will is a pop/rock, singer/songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. His credits include a song written for the Make A Wish Foundation in Australia titled “Make a Wish Come True.” ---How cool is that?!!!

Keeping the energy in the room high, as she does all night long, Kelly broke into an Elvis chat impression and some of her wild dance moves, letting it all out!!!!! Go Kelly, go Kelly!

There’s more to go.
J.T. Thompson, Bootlegger co-host and a member of what Kelly calls the A-team, topped himself in a fedora and took to the stage to give a wonderful performance of Rascal Flats, "I’m Moving On."

The rest of the A-Team on this Monday night are, the maestro, Mike Clark, drummer, Billy Adams, DJ/special effects guy, Kevin Cordova and of course, the one and only Kelly Clinton who does such an incredible job of hosting this amazing show week after week after week since she started it June 1, 2009.

Just as Kelly was about to wrap up the night, the crowd demanded a number by the popular entertainer Bobby Brooks Hamilton who said he was there “just chillin.” So Bobby obliged the “ by popular demand” call for his Little Richard number. It’s really amazing the way this artist can transform himself into the character of the various song artists he pays tribute to. In this show, Bobby sang, and played a bit on the piano too, during his remarkable performance of "Good Golly Miss Molly." The dynamic Bobby followed up with Marvin Gaye’s, "Let’s Get It On." He just returned to Las Vegas last week from a major “down under” tour. Welcome back Bobby!!

And now the end is here once more.
Kelly Clinton,
Bobby Brooks Hamilton,
DeNita Asberry,
Will Mastro and the band,
wrapped up the show together
to bring it on home!!!

Oh what another great night this was!!!!

All talented performers--from veterans to headliners to show people to up and coming entertainers are invited to perform at Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret every Monday night.
Doors Open 8:30 pm. Showtime: 9 pm.
Bootlegger Italian Bistro
7700 Las Vegas Blvd. So.
Dining room reservations: 702-736-4939

Come on down!! Perform, promote your gig, watch the show, taste the cookin'.
IT'S ALWAYS A BLAST!!!

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