The Buzz: The Blues Brings Cheers + More Great Music

Kelly Clinton was back Monday night!!!! And so was her husband, Clint Holmes. Kelly and Clint had just returned that afternoon from the successful run of Clint’s fabulous play, My Own Song, at the Flat Rock Theater in North Carolina.

After Clint introduced Kelly she opened her Cabaret show with a phenomenal tribute to Lady Day, the one and only Billy Holiday. Kelly wore a 1940’s style black velvet couture dress by designer, Jean Paul Gaultier and her hair was done in the sophisticated style of the 1930's and 40's. The way Kelly looked knocked the crowd dead before she even began the highlight performance of the evening.

The sensational Kelly Clinton began her series of five Blues numbers recorded by 'Lady Day' starting with Ain’t Nobody’s Business, followed by Them Their Eyes, then to The Blues Ain’t Nothing and God Bless The Child.  Before she started her all-time favorite Billy Holiday tune, Kelly talked about the tragic addiction Billie spoke to in the lyrics of the song, Good Morning Heartache. Kelly’s tribute to Lady Day was brilliant!! The excited crowd jumped to their feet in a standing ovation with loud cheers for Kelly Clinton’s extraordinary presentation.

Kelly’s couture gown was a gift from one of her biggest fans, Jonathan Bollas, who was so taken by Kelly’s appearance Monday night that he told her “You are the most gorgeous creature I have ever seen in my life!” Well thank you Jonathan!!

You can see a video of Kelly performing "Good Morning Heartache" on YouTube or via the link on her website, www.kellyclinton.com

NEWS FLASH: Las Vegas Weekly, The List Issue, April 22, 2010: The multi-talented entertainer Kelly Clinton was named #1 on the list of Top Six Elvis Impressionists in Las Vegas.  John Katsilometes, Las Vegas Weekly staff writer.

Before bringing up the first open mic performer of the evening Kelly introduced her A-team members, the people who help her make the Cabaret a real happening ---musical director Mike Clark, drummer Billy Adams, DJ/All around special effects guy, Kevin Cordova and Bootlegger host, J.T. Thompson.

First up was the amazing singer/entertainer, Lannie Counts. Lannie did such a fabulous rendition of the soulful country number, I Can’t Stop Loving You, the crowd demanded more, more. The ladies were swooning as the romantic crooner Lannie Counts presented a magnificent performance of one of his favorite songs, Moon River. Lannie was accompanied by Mike Clark who gave an astounding performance on the keys.
"I Can’t Stop Loving You" was written and composed by singer/songwriter and musician, Don Gibson who recorded it in 1957. Five years later, R&B/soul artist, Ray Charles recorded it on his groundbreaking album, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. When the song was released in 1962 the cover version was ranked number one in the Billboard Hot 100, as well as the U. S. R&B and Adult Contemporary charts.

Kelly introduced the remarkable vocalist, Laurie Cook. “She’s kinda country, kinda soul and kinda rock and roll.” Laurie is a fabulous singer with a powerful full-bottom country sound and an amazing vocal range who belts the heck out of some very choice tunes. Before starting her number, Laurie sent out her selection for this evening to someone in the audience who is very special to her. Laurie Cook’s hot rendition of Black Velvet is so good the tune just may become known as her signature song. After Laurie finished her number, Kelly said Laurie was great and added a big “Vah, Vah, Vah Voom!!”
Black Velvet was written by Canadian musicians David Tyson and Christopher Ward. It was recorded in 1989 by Canadian singer, Alannah Myles.

Comedian/entertainer, Willie Asbury was back with a lot more hilarious stuff from his extraordinary act. This is one funny fellow. Once again, Willie blew us away with his fantastic impressions of the greats from the boxing world, starting with the days of network only television and the voices of Howard Cosell, Mohammad Ali, Joe Frazier and ending with his killer takes on Leon Spinx and Mike Tyson. There was more, a lot more, including his wonderful opening song by Barry White.
You can catch Willie Asbury’s entire act at the L.A. Comedy Club in the Four Queens Hotel/Casino in Downtown Las Vegas every Friday night.

The up and coming starlet, Kaci Machacyk was next at the mic performing a wonderful version of Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You, by Frankie Valli.

Kaci Machacyk will headline at Kelly Clinton's Celebrity Spotlight at the Bootlegger Bistro on Sunday night, May 23rd. Join her for a night of opera, standards, pop and rock along with her featured performers, David Marinelli, Patty Powers and Tommy Vinci.


　

Michael Cagle was bursting with joyful news right after his powerful version of the beautiful song, Over The Rainbow.  Mike Clark and Billy Adams did an awesome job playing for Michael during his outstanding performance. The big news from Michael was he has just signed on to record with Brooklyn West Records, a new Las Vegas-based record label associated with Universal Records. Universal Records handles national and international distribution for Brooklyn West. As you may recall, Michael was originally signed under “artist development” with World Movement Records but that arrangement ended in good standing through negotiations handled by Michael Cagle and his manager Lynn Green of National Entertainment. Michael’s first single, a mix of Pop/R&B, will be released this summer. Go Michael, go Michael!!! Congratulations!!!!

A lot of talented people gather at the Bootlegger Bistro on Monday nights, sometimes just to enjoy Kelly Clinton and her open mic show ---and occasionally to step right up, take their place on stage and do their own thing. That’s how it goes with performers like Gilly Brady who always seems to enjoy the show and every now and then gets on stage to entertain the crowd. Monday night the seasoned performer turned casino host sang the popular old standard, It’s Almost Like Being in Love. On his second tune, Where or When, Gilly had Mike Clark take it on the bridge with a “C’mon Baby.” Mike had his keyboard jumpin’ with Gilly snappin’ his fingers to the beat!    Talent and fun ----a winning combination!!!

The young man who is probably one of the best Michael Jackson tribute artist ever, Isaiah Mercado, was back this week for another performance of his outstanding act. Isaiah recently moved to Vegas and he’s been delighting the crowds for several weeks now. Each week we learn a little more about this talented artist. For one thing, the gifted performer plays five instruments! For another, Isaiah received recognition from many television and news stations in the U.S. and around the world when he showcased his talent at the memorial service held in the “King of Pop’s” home town of Gary, Indiana. Monday night, despite a technical problem, Isaiah 'the trooper' completed his first Jackson number, Man in the Mirror. Then he went on with an awesome performance of Human Nature.

Isaiah Mercado appeared on the Dennis Bono Show this week to promote his Michael Jackson tribute show set for Sunday night, May 2, at 8:30 pm. in the Celebrity Spotlight at the Bootlegger Bistro. Kelly Clinton Productions presents Isaiah Mercado: Michael & Me. Get your reservations at 702-736-4939.

Popular singer/theatrical performer, Buffie Lucas, gave a fabulous performance of Ribbon in the Sky, a hit tune back in 1982 written/produced and recorded by Stevie Wonder. The soulful Buffie received rave reviews from the crowd and the band! Buffie Lucas is a powerful vocalist who starred in last Summer’s hit production of Once On An Island in the open-air theater at Spring Mountain Ranch. Buffie was back on stage later in the evening for a second outstanding presentation.

　

The fantastic pianist, Luis Sebastian was back this week with another outstanding performance of a medley of wonderful high energy music. Sebastian, as he likes to be called, is looking into the possibility of entering the annual piano competition sponsored by the Liberace Museum. He'd make a tough competitor that’s for sure.
Currently, Luis Sebastian appears at the Mandalay Bay performing for special events, corporate gigs and weddings.

The amazing Billie Holiday tribute artist, Janicey Brar, who bills herself as Lady Day whenever she performs at Kelly’s Cabaret, took her place on center stage to present her astonishing visual and vocal impression of the great Blues singer. For her first number, “Lady Day” gave an excellent rendition of the Jazz standard, But Beautiful by Jimmy Van Heusen. Next was her remarkable take on the Billy Holiday version of  I’m a Fool To Want You, a song written by Frank Sinatra, Jack Wolf and Joel S. Herron.

Janicey Brar will perform her Tribute to Lady Day at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, Ca. on May 5.

The lovely and super talented singer, Barbara Pasqui, just recently arrived back in Las Vegas after a two-year absence. Barbara went back to her home country of Italy to spend time with her parents but now she’s back here and ready to get on to her music. This was Barbara’s first appearance at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret and she gave an amazing performance of Night and Day. Barbara followed up with the 1974 hit tune by Roberta Flack, Feel Like Making Love. Many of you probably remember the very popular Barbara Pasqui from her appearances at a multitude of Vegas venues including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse where she worked with Mike Clark, The Ice House - Funk Jazz Lounge, and Mandalay Bay, just to mention a few. Welcome back Barbara!

Country singer and soon to be recording artist, J.P. Cates gave a terrific performance of Beer in Mexico, a hit single in 2007 written and recorded by country artist, Kenny Chesney.  J. P. has just signed with Brooklyn West Records, the recording company here in Las Vegas associated with Universal Records. Brooklyn West’s CEO/Producer is Platinum selling producer, Michael Campbell.  J.P. Cates will be recording and releasing a country single this Summer as a Country Artist under the Brooklyn West label! Congratulations J.P.!!!

Kelly Clinton welcomed back the awesome singer Rodney Arnett to the open mic stage. Rodney always excites the crowd with his fabulous voice ---this time he gave an astonishing presentation of Autumn Leaves starting the tune in a slow tempo and picking up the beat for a swinging version of the popular jazz and pop standard. The crowd loved it when Clint Holmes joined in on stage for a fabulous improvised scat duo just before Rodney Arnett closed out his extraordinary performance.

　

Nineteen-year old singer/songwriter and musician, Jon Madison, an aspiring performer who sings and plays his own original Indie rock tunes, did a remarkable presentation of two of his songs, Dig, and Right Side Up. It’s always a pleasure to experience and to encourage the performances of up and coming artists like Jon Madison.

Kelly brought on one of the most awesome singers in town, the phenomenal artist, Tim Wells.  Kelly had some comedic fun while vocalizing a message to the tall handsome fella’ about just how much she likes “Bald Headed Men.” Then it was Tim’s turn to put on his fabulous performance of A House Is Not a Home, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The demanding crowd wanted more, so Tim followed up with yet another astonishing presentation of For All We Know. His performance brought the screaming crowd to a standing ovation!!! Afterward, Kelly told Tim Wells, “You are a singing god!”

Tim Wells was formerly with the U.S. Army Field Band, the Musical Ambassadors of the Army. He just finished a one-man show as Nat King Cole in Alabama and now resides in Las Vegas.

It was a real treat to see seasoned performer, Bobby Mayo Jr., carry out his fabulous tribute to the man from New Orleans who “turned him on” to become a musician. Bobby took to the grand piano to play the music of R&B/Jazz and Rock and Roll great, the one and only, Fats Domino. Bobby has been performing all of his life, starting as a “kid actor” and later moving on to become the inspired musician/entertainer and tribute artist he is today.
Currently, Bobby Mayo Jr. plays Dean Martin in The Rat Pack is Back at the Plaza Hotel/Casino.

Pianist, Steven Rosato returned to the open mic to perform a beautiful piano solo. Steven is quite a remarkable musician with no professional experience who recently move to Las Vegas to attend pharmacy school. We are sure to hear more music concerts from Steven in the weeks to come.

Kelly introduced R&B soul singer, Ivan Reid. The pair of dancing machines (Kel & Ivan) wowed the crowd with some really cool moves just before Ivan stepped into the spotlight for his own show.   The soulful singer Ivan Reid rocked the house with that great Marvin Gaye tune, Heard It Through the Grapevine.

Singer, Avis O’Bryant-Chaney spend most of the evening cheering on the entertainers and enjoying the show before Kelly invited her to step up to the mic and give us a show of her own.  Avis amazed the crowd with her astonishing rendition of that great Gladys Knight tune, Midnight Train to Georgia.  Avis is another newcomer to Las Vegas but she’s already singing with the Las Vegas Gospel Choir and she’s performing right now as a back up vocalist for Trent Carlini at the Hilton Hotel on Monday nights.

Although Tupau Tony Ainu’u was on stage last week to win the best ‘Elvis moves’ contest, this was his first time singing at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret. The strong bass vocalist, Tupau Tony presented a terrific rendition of the Lou Rawls hit tune, You’ll Never Find.
Tony’s good friend Buffie Lucas added her touch to his number with back up vocals from off stage.

The end was near but the crowd was flying high on the music and that called for another great number to close the show. Kelly introduced the awesome vocalist, Lisa Gay and brought Buffie Lucas back up to join Lisa for their first time ever duet.  It’s remarkable the way the two hot singers,  Lisa and Buffie, meshed their talents to create an incredible improv performance of the Chaka Khan number SweetThing!!  They rocked!!! Kelly joined in for the closing and another great night of entertainment at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret came to the end.

There will be a lot more great talent next  Monday night at Kelly Clinton's Cabaret!
Come on down!

Perform,
Promote Your Gig,
Dine In, Chill Out,
Have a Blast!



Bootlegger Bistro, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South






Dining Room Reservations: 702-736-4939


More snapshots 4-26-10

　
Please Join Us Next Monday Night!!!!!




Kelly