Soulful Music, Broadway Rhythm & All That Jazz

The dynamic Kelly Clinton set the stage for an evening of fantastic entertainment when she kicked off her Monday night Open Mic Cabaret with her hot rendition of “Jump, Jive an' Wail” by Louis Prima.  It was Kelly’s tribute to the late, great Louis Prima who was recently honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame ..... Mike Clark, Billy Adams and guest guitarist, Tony Drake were doing their share of wailing as Kaci Machacyk and Lisa Gay jumped in and did the jive thing on backup for Kelly…The crowd loved it and what followed was a fantastic line up of ‘jumpin, jiving and wailing’ performers.


Congratulations to Kelly Clinton!!!

Kelly Clinton has been selected to receive the upcoming 9th Annual Bella Award  for “Las Vegas Female Entertainer.” The Bella Award is a prestigious award presented to outstanding Nevadan’s for their example of Lifestyle, Entertainment, and Fashion. Among some of the previous recipients have been, Sue Manteris, Mayor Oscar Goodman, John Huck, The Platters, The Coasters, and Andre Aggasi. .....

Kelly Clinton will be in New York on that evening so her best friend, Lena Prima, along with Kelly’s mom, Ellie Clinton Issa, will be accepting the award in her absence.

The event, The Art of Fashion -Meets-The Arts District will be held on August 9th at 6 PM at the Southern Nevada Center for the Arts, Studio One, 1310 S. 3rd St in Las Vegas. No cost and we can make it back to the Bootlegger in plenty of time for dinner and Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret.
We will remind everyone next Monday night.


On to the Cabaret:

Starting off at the open mic was the beautiful and truly remarkable singer, Barbara Pasqui. The powerful vocalist with a style all her own gave a super performance of the song “Until You Come Back to Me.” She really knocked us out!! Barbara was back later in the show with another outstanding presentation.

Barbara Pasqui is appearing on Saturday nights with Howie Gold at Ichabod’s on E. Flamingo.

The fabulous duo, Lisa Gay and Tony Drake returned this week to bring back some old memories with a wonderful performance of “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” by Dionne Warwick. Wow, with Lisa on vocals and Tony on guitar they never fail to give a great show. This night they brought on guest musician/ sax player Mikole Kaar who joined them on their second tune, “Sonny.” Mikole Kaar can blow that horn,!! Tony Drake is one awesome guitar player and Lisa Gay is a really hot vocalist!!!
Lisa Gay and Tony Drake have worked with some of the biggest stars in music including Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., Lou Rawls and many, many more.

Kelly introduced the amazing singer/musician and musical director Bill Fayne who made a special appearance to accompany our next performer, the beautiful singer, Kaci Machacyk. It was ‘The Tenor’ on piano and ‘The Soprano’ on vocals as the two performed a fantastic version of “Think of Me,” from Phantom of the Opera. The song was one of those Kaci performed in her own show recently at the Liberace Museum. Next Kaci sang the delightful tune “Happy Working Song,” from Disney’s 'Enchanted'.

Kaci Machacyk received rave reviews from everyone who saw her show, “The Soprano” a few weeks ago at the Liberace Musuem. Among her other talents, Kaci hosts the web broadcast Vegas 5W. Check it out at http://www.vegas5w.com/
Bill Fayne is currently hosting “Toast of the Town” at Sam’s Town on Thursdays. Bill is always writing and composing music and he continues to appear with the Las Vegas Tenors as they tour the world.

The incredible pianist, Danny Wright was up next with a fantastic performance of “Don’t Cry Argentina” followed by his beautiful original composition, “Wings of Hope.” When you see Danny Wright perform you know why he has been described as “… a warmly romantic composer and an exquisite pianist with the gentlest, most expressive hands on the keys.” We saw that here at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret.
Danny Wright is considered one of Instrumental music’s finest performers. He has sold over 4 million CDs since his debut album in 1986. In 1992 and 1994 Danny Wright was named by Billboard Magazine as a Top 10 artist in his genre. Currently Danny is performing at the Bellagio Resort and he will soon be appearing at the Starbright Theatre and the Liberace Museum.

Kelly introduced musical director/arranger and songwriter, Jeff Neiman, who came on stage to accompany Kelly’s husband, the one and only Clint Holmes. Clint described their forthcoming performance as “ a rehearsal.” The singer was about to perform a new arrangement by Jeff Neiman of two great romantic tunes joined together by the loving message in their lyrics: “Something” In the Way She Moves by the Beatles, and “She’s Got a Way,” by Billy Joel. With Jeff’s fabulous arrangement and Clint’s marvelous voice the performance was awesome. Combined with the beautiful personal message and it’s meaning, the entire presentation blew us all away!!!!! Wow!!!!
Clint Holmes will be honored at the Friars Club in New York City in a “Salute to Clint Holmes” on August 9. Among the list of performers that night are Leigh Zimmerman and Kelly Clinton.

Watch out Broadway, here comes Kelly!!! Kelly Clinton will perform at the Friars Club event with Leigh Zimmerman, who is currently starring as ‘Velma’ in “Chicago, the Broadway Musical.” Together Leigh (Velma) and Kelly (Mama) will sing the satiracal duet "Class."   Kelly thought she better try the number out for the first time in front of a live audience right here at the Cabaret before she went off to do it in New York in a couple of weeks. Kelly sang both parts, went back to a verse from the cue cards held by Clint, and picked it up to close out her terrific performance!!!

There is just no business like show business!!!! Gotta love it!  Kelly Clinton, gotta love her!!!




On with the Cabaret:

The awesome soulful singer, Don Hunley returned to Vegas following a trip back to his home in Buffalo, New York.  Kelly welcomed Don back and he gave us one heck of a rockin’ performance of “Mustang Sally.” This fella’ is a powerful singer and he’s got all the moves too! Kelly Clinton joined Don Hunley for a follow-up song and dance routine and the groove was on! Oh, Yes!!!

The beautiful singer and musician Yvonne Silva was back this week strumming her guitar and singing the fascinating pop vocal tune by Nelly Furtado, "I’m Like a Bird." Once again, Yvonne Silva did a terrific performance and we expect to see more of her at the Cabaret.

A fabulous singer by the name of Skip Mercier stepped up to the open mic for the first time and blew us away with his super-terrific performance of “Unchained Melody.” Skip Mercier has a strong background in the music industry that goes back to the days when his band opened for top acts like the Righteous Brothers and others. He’s lived in Las Vegas for many years but never knew about the Cabaret on Monday nights at the Bootlegger. This was his first time here but it certainly won’t be his last. He was amazed at the talent and can’t wait to be a part of it again. We can’t wait to see Skip Mercier perform again!!!


As we always say, you just never know who will show up to perform ---or be out in the audience. Monday night we had a large table with many great Jazz musicians including Howie Gold, April Spain, Barbara Pasqui and at least a half-dozen others. Most of them were here to see the show and support the Las Vegas music industry.
Later Kelly introduced Kathi and Alan Glist of GFour Productions, the producers of “Menopause the Musical.” The show is now playing at the Luxor in Las Vegas as well as in other major cities around the country and in Australia and New Zealand. GFour Productions is a major player in the theatrical community. Some of the other shows they’ve produced are the Tony Award winning musical “Nine, The Musical,” and both the original and revival of “La Cage Aux Follies” which won them the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1983 and the Tony Award for Best Revival in 2004.  WOW!!!!

Back to the Cabaret:

We haven’t seen Michael Sampson in a long time so we were happy to see the soulful singer return to the open mic with his terrific performance of the James Ingram song, “One Hundred Ways.”
Welcome back Michael Sampson.

The very entertaining lady singer from England, Trace Taylor, was back this week for her second appearance at the Cabaret. Trace gave us her stylistic performance of “Stardust Melody.” Trace Taylor is funny, she’s different, she’s talented and we expect to see more of her in the future.

Here we go! It was just about that time for spontaneous combustion and  Kelly Clinton let loose with a 'wild woman dance' backed by music from the band and DJ Kevin Cordova. Go Kelly. Go Kelly. Go Kelly.

Musician/singer April Spain was up next. April is a fabulous Jazz/ Blues artist with a rich soulful sound. April accompanied herself on piano while the band grooved with her as she played and sang a terrific rendition of “All Right, Okay.” Mike Clark was really getting down on the keys, then it was Tony Drake playing awesome guitar followed by Billy Adams doing his ‘thang’ on the drums. Then it was back to the ‘oh so cool’ April Spain as she sent out those fabulous vocal riffs, runs and scats. What a great performance!!!

The tall, good-looking and charming singer/musician, Yukon Jack Lohman returned to the stage this week to perform his solo guitar and vocal act for a welcoming audience. Jack performed "Norwegian Wood" (This Bird Has Flown), a Beatles tune from their 1965 album Rubber Soul. He’s really, really good. Welcome back Jack!
Yukon Jack Lohman performed his one man show at Sea World in California for 12 years before making the move to Las Vegas about six months ago.

The audience was really taken back when Nashville musician/singer, Abe Beagles stepped on stage. The tall, lanky Abe has such an uncanny resemblance to Abraham Lincoln that it was fascinating to find out he is a relative of Lincoln’s first cousin, seven-generations removed.  Wow!! Abe gave a wonderful performance of "A Man This Lonely."
Abe Beagles is well known in the science world as the award winning scientist, Dr. Abe Beagles. His work involves developing new technologies that are far beyond simple description here. Google in Dr. Abe Beagles for details.

It was great to have our fabulous DJ/special effects guy Kevin Cordova back on Monday night. Not only is Kevin one of the top DJs in town, he is also one of the most powerful singers to ever perform at the Cabaret. Nicknamed “Sexy Manuel” (he’s really got the moves) Kevin Cordova sings from deep in his heart and soul. That’s what made his performance of “I’m Already There” so outstanding. Kevin said whenever he sings that song he thinks of his kids!! Oh, what a guy!

Annetta Bonner took us on a rockin’ ride with the Gladys Knight and the Pips hit, “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Annetta Bonner is a hot singer with a great voice and the backup by the ‘Pips’ (Don Hunley, Kevin Cordova, Lisa Gay, and Kelly Clinton) added to her spectacular performance. It’s was awesome!!!!

Kelly invited wonderful singer Barbara Pasqui back up to the stage to close out another spectacular Monday night show. Barbara started off the Al Jarreau tune, “We’re In This Love Together.” Before you knew it, Clint Holmes joined in on some terrific scats from his seat, then he was up on stage jamming with Barbara!!  Clint came in with a bit of the tune "Something" for Kelly,  then Kelly Clinton joined Barbara Pasqui for a grooving’ duo and then all three singers and the fabulous band brought us home with one heck of a big ending!!!!  That was so hot!!!

So there you go folks!! The evening of great entertainment ended on a high note ---as it always does!!  Thanks to everyone who performed and to all those who come out to the show and fill the house every week!!

Special thanks to the dynamite entertainer, Kelly Clinton, and the entire team that makes this incredible show happen!!!! 

Come On Down on Monday Nights to

Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret

Perform, Promote Your Gig, Dine In, Chill Out

It's Always a Blast!!!!!

Bootlegger Bistro, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South

Showtime:  9 PM    Dining Room Reservations:  702-736-4939

Vegas Buzz: This Is IT on Monday Nights!

Make no mistake about it, Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret is 'no ordinary open mic.’ The Monday night 'show of shows' in Vegas is a Cabaret with fantastic entertainment like no other. 
As the fans have said,  “Why would we ever go anywhere else on Monday nights? This is IT!!”

Kelly Clinton and friends kicked off another remarkable Monday night Cabaret show with a hilarious take on the legendary Marx Brothers. Starring in the comedy cast of the Marx Sisters was the one and only Kelly Clinton (Groucho), with Lena Prima (Chico), Mark O’Toole (Harpo) and Kaci Machacyk as Mrs. Rittenhouse (Animal Crackers). Mike Clark was on the keys and Tommy Vinci played the drums. The witty comical bit had the packed-house crowd roaring with laughter.

How does Kelly Clinton come up with this stuff? For starters, Kelly gets an idea in her head, then there’s no stopping her until the lines are down, the casting is complete, (when it’s not just a Kelly solo act) the costumes are gathered and the music is ready to go. In the latest production, Kelly credits Mike Clark for suggesting the Marx Sisters. Kelly put all her ideas together ---lines, cast, etc. Then the talented people in the sketch threw in their ideas that helped shape the final plan. It’s amazing how everything is put together in less than a day before the show goes on! In addition to her very original characters, for over a year now Kelly has come up with dozens and dozens of satirical Monday night openings starring a cast of characters based on famous icons from the stage, screen and the recording world….Truly amazing and so very entertaining!!!

After stripping off the Groucho wig, eyebrows, etc., Kelly was ready to introduce the first of many talented entertainers waiting in the wings to perform.

First up was the lovely Kaci Machacyk with a beautiful rendition of "Until There Was You."

This performance by Kaci Machacyk was a sampling of the selections from her show, The Soprano, that was scheduled for Wednesday night, July 21, at the Liberace Museum.

The evening was filled with so many fabulous entertainers. We want to mention them all and of course post a photo of each one as they performed at the latest Monday night show. So here we go. Next on stage was the awesome singer Lannie Counts who had the crowd screaming for more!! .....

Geena Mattox, former star of Phantom of the Opera, was back this week with a terrific performance of "Get Here."

Next we saw a whole new side of the fantastic singer Tim Wells who surprised us with an amazing theatrical performance of "Phantom of the Opera."  The crowd loved it and wanted more from Tim so he made a song-style switch with the tune, "You Make Me Feel Brand New." That’s when the phenomenal Clint Holmes jumped in to join Tim Wells on a fabulous scat duo that knocked out the crowd!!!

Up next the dynamic duo, Lisa Gay and Tony Drake took to the stage with a extraordinary performance of "The Nearness of You" followed by a moving and grooving rendition of "Feel Like Making Love."

Then Lisa was joined by Clint Holmes and Chris Phillips (Zowie Bowie) to sing Happy Birthday to a very special friend and faithful fan of this show, Mel Myers……

That moment was followed by an introduction from Clint Holmes of a very special appearance by Kelly Clinton as Janis Joplin for one more tribute to birthday boy and car dealer Mel.

The unbelievable Kelly Clinton as Janis sang an original satirical version of  "Mercedes Benz" with lyrics by Clint Holmes entitled "Oh, Mel Won’t You Buy Me a Mercedes Benz."
The crowd and Mel were hysterical with laughter as Kelly pulled off one more great spoof in costume and song. Wow!!!!

Then Clint was back on stage joined by his musical director, Jeff Neiman to perform “something real nice for Mel and his wife Sheri” who were also celebrating their 29th wedding anniversary. Clint Holmes sent out the beautiful tune "Here’s to Life."
What followed that was another performance by Clint Holmes who first sent out kudos to the fantastic  band led by Mike Clark on keys with Billy Adams on the drums and Tony Drake sitting in on guitar. Yes!!! These great musicians played all night long!! Then, with Jeff Neiman on piano, Clint gave us a terrific presentation of that great tune, "Birth of the Blues"…..The crowd went wild!!!!

Up next at the mic was the delightful performer with a big personality -----16 year-old
Alex Christopher who sang that popular old favorite, "Green, Green Grass of Home." Great job Alex!!.......

Then came the hot blues singer Wendy Flemings who belted out a killer version of "Summertime." This lady can sing the blues!!!! Mike Clark was hot on the keys for Wendy’s number and he did a beautiful job on the next singer’s presentation too.

That would be the fantastic crooner, Mark O’Toole (Harpo) who gave us a excellent performance of the love song, “You Don’t Know Me.” (L).........
Newcomer to the open mic Christopher Todd gave a terrific rendition of “Orange Colored Sky.” Later in the show Christopher Todd (R) was back with the band to croon the tune, "It Had to Be You." Nice, very nice. We are sure to see more of this singer soon.

Singer,/songwriter George Dare stepped up next with a outstanding performance of the big crowd-pleasing tune, "Walking in Memphis." By the way, this night had the kind of audience every performer dreams of! The crowd was just marvelous and totally fixed on the show……. The beautiful powerhouse singer Denita Asberry was on stage next with her performance of the Whitney Houston tune, "I Will Always Love You." She slayed the crowd. Wow!... Then came a big welcome back to showman Bobby Brooks Hamilton. The awesome performer and tribute artist has been traveling the world circuit for many months. It was great to see Bobby back at the open mic giving us his terrific performance of "Higher and Higher."

Another newcomer to the open mic was Trace Taylor (L). The redhead was raised in England and there’s no mistaking her accent. Trace gave a swinging interpretation of "Bye, Bye Black Bird." She’ll be back..........

Soprano, Jacqueline Armitage (R) returned to the open mic Monday night after a couple of months of R & R. Jacqueline presented her beautiful rendition of "If I Loved You."

Trina Johnson, one of the fabulous stars of Vegas the Show, stopped in to give us a really hot performance of “I’m Your Baby Tonight.” The critics are raving about the new show at Planet Hollywood that pays tribute to ‘Old Vegas’ entertainment from the 1940’s through the 1980’s….......

........Another fantastic performer and a first timer at the Cabaret, Michael Love took us away with his energetic, heartfelt performance of  "One in a Million."
Wow, what a powerful show closing performance!!!!


Thanks to everyone who took part in the making of one more night of unrivaled entertainment! Special thanks to Mike Clark, Billy Adams, Tony Drake and DJ/Jake Klein for bringing on the music....and especially to Kelly Clinton for making it all happen!!

As always, this was another great show at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret!!!
Please join us next Monday Night at the Bootlegger Bistro,
7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Showtime:  9 PM
Dining room reservations:  702-736-4939

Come on Down!!  Perform, Promote Your Gig,
Dine In, Chill Out!........It's Always a Blast!!!!