The Divas, The Blues & The Buzz

Kelly Clinton lip syncs as

Michelle Johnson vocalizes

some funny stuff

"Unpredictable" is what we say about the fantastic show, Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret --and the star host, Kelly Clinton. Yet, those of us who have been at the Cabaret week after week know it’s always a fantastic evening of entertainment!!…..And, as always this week’s show was "unbelievable!!"

The dynamic Kelly Clinton was back this Monday night after spending an exciting week in NYC. She opened rocking out on the 1970’s tune,  "New Orleans" --and just for the fun of it, Kaci Machacyk and Lisa Gay jumped in on backup.

Kelly, Kaci & Lisa Disco

Left to R, Perry Paschall (rear), Dr. Warren Wheeler, Jonathan Bollas,
Diana Paschall, Bill Bayne, Kelly Clinton, Ellie Clinton Issa

Right after that-- Kelly’s mom and some of the fans stepped on stage. They were there to personally present her with flowers and her 2010 Bella Award as “Las Vegas Female Entertainer.” The group, along with Lena Prima, had honored Kelly by attending last Monday’s award ceremony while she was in New York. Gotta’ love friends and family!! Congratulations Kelly Clinton!!!!!
Kelly Clinton will be starring in the new Las Vegas production show, "Nunsense," opening at the Las Vegas Hilton in mid-September!!!!  More updates in the weeks ahead.
On To the Cabaret of Entertainers

Skip Mercier

Skip Mercier was first up at the mic with a wonderful rendition of "Smoke Gets in your Eyes," by The Platters.  Then Skip put on his shades and changed the beat with his second tune as he rocked out on "You Got It."

Skip Mercier is a veteran performer who started his successful career in the music business back in the 1960's.  After nearly 10 years in retirement, Skip is back in the spotlight and singing great!!
Catch Skip Mercier at the Fiesta Henderson from 3 PM - 6 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of every month.

Don Gloude

Coincidentally, out in the crowd was the fabulous baritone Don Gloude who sings with The Platters.

Don got up later in the show with a fantastic presentation of "What Kind of Fool Am I."  Wow, can this man sing!!!  Don Gloude has an incredible voice.


We all love to be a part of discovering new talent
and watching them develop into pro entertainers.

Alex Christopher

That’s how Kelly Clinton and many others got their start in the Vegas entertainment industry. Kelly was age 19 when she showcased at Frank Link’s Maxim Showcase at the old Maxim Hotel. In just a couple of months Kelly was playing the lounges in many of the big name hotel/casinos in town. With that being her own close-to-the-heart experience, Kelly always welcomes young and upcoming performers to her Open Mic Cabaret.

Monday night we had several young performers who are getting an early start in show biz. First up was 16 year-old singer Alex Christopher, a young man with a terrific voice and a super personality. Alex gave a wonderful performance on the Frank Sinatra tune, “Strangers In the Night.” Dooby, dooby doo…. Later in the show Alex Christopher was back to blow us away with his French lyrics on “La Vie En Rose.”  Everyone was really impressed!  Alex did a fantastic show!!!

Karra Le` Shone`

Vincent Allis

Sophie Story

Talk about young talent, musician/singer Sophie Story was in town visiting her family this week. Her grandmother talked the 14 year-old performer into coming by to give us a show….Sophie sings with her band back in Florida so she appeared very comfortable going for it with the great Cabaret musicians.

The lovely Sophie Story did a beautiful rendition of “Oh Darling.” And, she also plays bass!!!
     Another up and coming singer with a fabulous voice, Karra Le`Shone` was back this week to perform songs by Aretha Franklin. The 19 year-old,  Karra really showed her stuff on “Natural Women,” so, when the crowd wanted more she used her powerful voice getting down on “Chain, Chain, Chain.” Oh yes, Karra rocks!    
      Oh,  you really had to be there to get the full impact of musician Vincent Allis playing the Blues on harmonica with the band. The 21 year-old rocked the house. The crowd was moving and grooving with the music. It was awesome. Everyone wanted Vincent to come back again but Vincent said he was here on vacation from the Seattle area and didn‘t know when he would ever be back. Keep an eye on Vincent Allis, we read somewhere he plays fantastic guitar too!!

Kaci Machacyk

We’ve all been watching the next young lady growing and developing into a confident stage performer, singer, budding actress and polished web TV host. The beautiful Kaci Machacyk has a wonderful soprano voice and she gave us a great rendition of “Till There Was You.”

Kaci Machacyk & Lisa Gay

Then Kaci invited Lisa Gay to the stage for a duet of the hot disco

tune “Last Dance.”  Yes, Kaci and Lisa rocked the house.

Check out Kaci on web TV:  http://www.vegas5w.com/

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  Michelle Johnson

The Divas

Several of our leading Las Vegas Divas were in the house.  First up to perform was the super talented Michelle Johnson who sent out a song to her good friend and sister-Diva, Lena Prima.  With such a busy life in show biz, Michelle said we often miss staying in touch  with our friends.  Michelle gave a fantastic performance of the message tune, "Get Here."
Michelle Johnson is sensational.
Michelle Johnson 'let the cat out of the bag'  making the first public announcement  saying she and sister-Diva, Kelly Clinton are starring in the upcoming off-broadway hit musical "Nunsense" at the Las Vegas Hilton.  Monday was the first day of rehearsals for the Las Vegas production.
Top of the page photo:  Before Michelle left the stage Kelly Clinton was back on and the two entertainers got into a very funny bit where Michelle stood vocalizing behind Kelly as Kelly mouthed the words to  some really funny stuff aimed at Kelly's husband, Clint Holmes.  The bit was hysterical.

Lena Prima

Later in the show, Singer/songwriter/recording artist/ Lena Prima gave us fantastic rendition of “The Rose.” Her performance took place not on stage but from a side booth where she had been watching the show. Nevertheless, thanks to the magic of Kevin Cordova, Lena had the spotlight on her during her outstanding presentation. Joining in on a few verses from the next booth were Kelly Clinton, Michelle Johnson and special guest, celebrated Musician/singer/songwriter and record producer, Trevor Veitch. Wow!!

Kelly, Trevor Veitch & Michelle

Lena Prima’s new CD album is playing on the radio at 97.1 The Point. Check out her website at http://www.lenaprimamusic.com/
 for more on Lena’s recordings. Lena Prima will headline at the Edgewater Hotel & Casino in Laughlin, NV over the Labor Day weekend.

Lisa Gay & Tony Drake

Here’s Tony….. The awesome guitarist Tony Drake that is, and his Diva wife, Lisa Gay, were back at the Cabaret this week to give us a show. Lisa and Tony sent out their first tune to a couple of friends in the audience, the birthday boys, Jonathan Bollas and Dr. Warren Wheeler. It was a very special song that Lisa and Tony perform for dear friends and they did an awesome presentation of “Quiet Nights and Quiet Stars.” Then Lisa let lose with the moves and the riffs on “Sweet Thing” while Tony played some really hot guitar.
Lisa Gay & Tony Drake are opening the show at Hot August Nights in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 21 at 11 AM. They also have a new CD album “Life, Love & Music."  You can get it at Amazon.com and at Lisa Gay and the Gentlemen of  Thrill on My Space.

Lannie Counts

The crowd can never get enough of Singer/entertainer Lannie Counts who was back this week with an incredible performance of “Easy” by Lionel Richie. Lannie is truly a sensational vocalist who can sing any style of music. The fans wanted more so Lannie Counts gave them a second number, the romantic ballad, “Long Ago.”  Woo, woo!!!

Lannie Counts recently released his latest CD on ReberbNation. Get it now at www.reverbnation.com/Lannie
Lannie is also appearing at Hot August Nights in Las Vegas on Sunday, August 22 at 4:25 PM.

Without further ado, we want to applaud and shout out about Kelly Clinton’s fabulous Cabaret band!! Musical director, Mike Clark on keys, Billy Adams on drums, and sitting in again this week, the awesome guitarist, Tony Drake, played all night giving out the music that makes everyone feel so good!!! They are the best!!!! DJ/special effects guy, Kevin Cordova is also a member of the team that brings us the music via tracks for some of the singers. We love you guys!!!

Ken Young

Vocalist, Ken Young dropped in to give us a fabulous rendition of "What’s Going On." The crowd loved Ken and wanted more! Just before he started his second number Clint Holmes joined him on stage jamming with a terrific ad lib scat duo. Then Ken Young wowed the crowd with his incredible version of the tune, “Inseparable.”

When he is not working his day job as a Lieutenant with the CCSD Police Department, Ken Young frequently performs with Gladys Knight.

Ken Young with Clint Holmes

Rob Connor

The awesome singer, Rob Connor stepped up to blow us a away with his fantastic performance of “My Funny Valentine.” Rob worked as an entertainer for about 15 years before taking on the job of teaching music. Although he now devotes his life to teaching students at Las Vegas Academy High School, Rob Connor’s performance at the Cabaret was a compliment to his super talent as an outstanding vocalist. More info on Rob Connor on FB.

Rabbit & Shoo

For a real change of pace a couple of Star Search winners, Rabbit and Shoo, from the group The Footlockers, hit the stage with their high-energy lock dance, Primetime. We all know Musician/dancer, Martin Mancuso (Rabbit), but Dancer/singer, Robert Huffman (Shoo) is a new face at the Cabaret. The colorful act, The Footlockers, put on an exciting show.

Later, Robert Huffman was back on stage for his wonderful vocal solo of “You Make Me Feel Brand New.”

Ned Towns

"The Blues Man” Ned Towns knocked us out with the Miles Davis tune, “Red China Blues.” Ned has a lot of credits in the music industry. Just to mention a few,  he’s recorded with Atlantic Records, self-produced music and he toured with Otis Redding.


Mississippi born Ned Towns is now living and recording music and videos in Las Vegas. www.NedTowns.com

Yvonne Silva

Vocalist/musician, Yvonne Silva was back this week singing and strumming her guitar on the acoustic version of the dance-pop tune, “Black and Gold” by Sam Sparro. The lovely song-stylist  decided to keep her day job while she works her way back into the Las Vegas music industry that she truly loves.
The popular Yvonne Silva has appeared at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret several times in the last few months.

Michael Love

The high-energy performer with a great voice, Michael Love, was on stage this week with ‘a whole new fashion statement.’ (photo).   Michael Love did a marvelous performance of the Luther Vandross hit “If Only For One Night.”

Christy Parks

Next up was a petite young lady visiting from North Carolina, Christy Parks who gave us her unique rendition of "Proud Mary."

As we got closer to the end of another great evening of Cabaret entertainment, Kevin Cordova was joined by Michelle Johnson on “Anything for Love.” Kevin sang in his powerful voice with Michelle coming in on the softer verses. It was a terrific performance!!

Princess

Robert Toto

Next up was singer, “Princess” Madelaina.  Princess gave a terrific performance of the Johnny Mathis hit tune, “Misty.”

The grand finale came when singer Robert Toto gave a wonderful Opera version of  the beautiful Spanish tune, "Granada."  Robert Toto was at the show with other members representing The Rolls Royce Club.

Kelly Clinton says Good Night!

Kelly Clinton thanked everyone who performed Monday night and gave a special thank you the wonderful musicians, the phenomenal Mike Clark on keys, the hot drummer Billy Adams, and sitting in, the awesome guitarist Tony Drake. Kelly’s thanks also went to J.T. Thompson of the Bootlegger Bistro and the marvelous DJ/special effects man, Kevin Cordova.

Kelly Clinton was last seen leaving the building with her Bella Award and bouquets in hand!

Tony Drake & Trevor Veitch

Two incredible musicians and recording artists, Tony Drake and special guest, Trevor Veitch talk guitars after the show.

Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret
Showtime: 9PM - Monday Nights
Bootlegger Bistro,
7700 Las Vegas Blvd. So.
Dining room reservations:  702-736-4939
Come on Down!!!
Perform, Promote Your Gig,
Dine In, Chill Out.......It's Always A Blast!!!

**Note:  Blogger will be on break for the next few weeks.

Kelly's Bella Award, Skye & Cabaret Entertainers

Monday night, August 9th, was a thrilling evening of excitement and fun for everyone involved in Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret. There was great entertainment at the Cabaret featuring guest host Skye Dee Miles --in New York City at the Friars Club “Salute to Clint Holmes”--and in The Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas where Kelly Clinton-Holmes was honored with the 2010 Bella Award for “Las Vegas Female Entertainer.”

In Kelly’s absence (she was in NYC) Lena Prima picked up the Bella for Kelly along with Kelly’s mom, Ellie Clinton Issa. Several close friends also attended the event before heading over to the Bootlegger for the Cabaret.

As we all know, Kelly Clinton-Holmes is a sensational entertainer and one who is generous in sharing her stage and in encouraging her fellow entertainers --oftentimes providing bookings for them to work. Fellow entertainer, Steve Connolly hosted the Bella Awards and spoke about not only what ‘a talented artist Kelly is and one who is a pleasure to work with’ --he also said, that ‘Kelly Clinton-Holmes “is a great asset to this city.” Thank you Steve Connolly for saying your gracious words and your "It's all true" comment after the award show.

The plan is to present the 2010 Bella Award for “Las Vegas Female Entertainer” to Kelly Clinton-Holmes, in person, this Monday night at her Open Mic Cabaret.

On to the Cabaret:

The fabulous Skye Dee Miles did a fantastic job of hosting the Cabaret. Love Skye! She’s such an awesome singer, entertainer, --and she stars in ‘Menopause the Musical” at the Luxor.
Go see that show, we just read an announcement that Skye Dee Miles is up for a big award for her role in the musical!!
Skye Dee Miles will perform at Hot August Nights in Las Vegas on Sunday, August 22, at 7:40 PM.  The three-day event at Town Square benefits "For Kids Now" and  "Opportunity Village."

There was plenty of great entertainment at the Cabaret including big name stars, super popular performers and new Las Vegas acts. The photoplay starts here:
The fantastic Skye Dee Miles gave an 'hot, hot' performance of "Evil Gal Blues!"

Tim Wells

Next up was the incredible singer, Tim Wells with a fantastic rendition
of the Stevie Wonder tune, "Overjoyed" followed by a popular
demand performance of, "Stand by Me."

Jimmy Hopper

The popular headliner,
Jimmie Hopper
went to the grand piano to give his fantastic performance of  "Hallelujah"
and "Walking in Memphis."
Jimmy Hopper will be appearing at Ovation in Green Valley Ranch, on September 5, at 8PM.  Celebrate Labor Day weekend with Jimmy.

Lannie Counts

The incredible vocalist/entertainer, Lannie Counts
gave us a

 'killer performance' of the romantic tune, "Angel Eyes."

Lannie Counts has a brand new CD.   Check it out at www.ReberbNation.com/Lannie

Lannie Counts will be appearing at the 1st Annual Hot August Nights

event at Town Square on Sunday, August 22, at 4:25 PM.

Michael Cagle

The powerful singer Michael Cagle gave us his all on Two "Out of Three Ain't Bad".  Then Michael really started something when he called for a "Jam" on the 1970's hit tune "Lean on Me."  Jamm'rs, Skye Dee Miles, Lannie Counts and Michael Cagle were a bit surprised but very pleased when three other awesome singers, Buffie Lucas, Cassandra Davis-Brett and Rashida Jordan, joined them on stage for a real 'big blast' performance....What a show.  It was terrific.

                                    

Michael Cagle will also be appearing at Hot August Nights on Sunday, August 22 at 2:15 PM. 

Irma Kaye

The lady in red, the wonderful singer Irma Kaye took on the spirit of "Lady Day" Billy Holiday with a terrific performance of "God Bless the Child."  Irma added a bit of fashion fun with a sexy fringed garter belt. 

 Down boys.

Margeaux Davis

Wow, we all got to see Broadway musical star Margeaux Davis singing her orginal tunes right here at Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret!!  Margeaux played the "Seasons of Love Soloist in the Tony Award Winning Broadway Play "Rent." We were so happy she stopped by to perform for us last Monday night.  Just 24 years-old, Margeaux has plenty of credits under her belt and she rocked the crowd with her fantastic performance.  We want to see more of Margeaux next time she gets back to our town.    Meanwhile, check her music out at www.reverbnation.com/Margeaux "The Essence of Soul"

Singer and songwriter George Dare gave a wonderful performance of a tune by Bob Seger, "Turn the Page."     Along with having a fabulous voice, George Dare has written all kinds of music including some very popular hit jingles.        

George Dare

           
Tribute artist, Mike Greenwood did an excellent performance of the Roy Orbison hit song, "Crying."  Wonderful singing Mike.

Mike Greenwood

Michael Louis Austin

Michael Brett

Next came the trio of performers known around the open mic circuit as the band, Blue Sky Mind. They are perhaps better known individually as singer/actress, Cassandra Davis-Brett, guitarist/keyboards/vocalist, Michael Brett,  and a newcomer to Las Vegas, Michael Louis Austin, also vocals, guitar and keys.  The band presented all original tunes  --the first one as a group, then each artist gave a solo performance of their own tune.

Lisa Gay

Cassandra Davis-Brett

Cassandra Davis-Brett played the lead in the 2009 musical, "Once Upon This Island" at Spring Mountain State Park.

Lisa Gay & Tony Drake

The fabulous Lisa Gay and Tony Drake had the crowd swinging with "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love."
Lisa was sending out those awesome vocal riffs as Tony rocked that guitar --and then Skye jumped in for a bit on backup.  So hot!!!

Lisa Gay & Tony Drake will be performing at the big fundraising event, Hot August Nights on Saturday, August 21 at 11 AM.
Go to http://www.hotaugustnightsinlasvegas.com/ to see the list of many performers who are scheduled to appear.


Bootlegger host, J.T. Thompson is back from Alaska.  J.T. took right back to the mic to croon a the George Michael tune, "Round Here."  Beautiful job J.T.

J. T. Thompson

Miz Buffie Lucas

The very popular singer with a great voice

Miz Buffie Lucas rocked us out with the

Michael Jackson tune, "Rock" With You."

Buffie is one HOT entertainer!

Miz Buffie Lucas starred in the cast

of the musical "Once On This Island."

Rashida Jordan

Rashida Jordan is on the road a lot touring the music circuit  but she's back in town right now performing and promoting her new CD,  "Insanity."  We got to see Rashida perform

her original tune live!!

Rashida Jordan's new CD, "Insanity" is

available now at Amazon.com

Vernell Brown Jr.

Top Jazz musicians Vernell Brown Jr. and Doc T, of the popular group Spectrum, gave us a terrific rendition of the kind of music they are best

known for.  Their performance was awesome.

Vernell & Doc T

Vernell Brown Jr. is a well-known recording artist in the world of Jazz.  He and Doc T, aka,  Roy Turner have received plenty of raves for their wonderful performances inside the Las Vegas club scene.  They appear at the Freakin' Frog on Friday nights and a number of other venues in Las Vegas.  Check out http://www.vernellbrownjr.com/

The exciting singer, Tupua "Tony" Ainu'u  gave a great show on the Josh Turner tune, "Your Man."  Tupua wowed the crowd with his awesome baritone voice!!!!  Woo hoo!!

Judith Marinelli Hayek

Singer Judith Marinelli Hayek, an entertainer who loves to dress up for a show, tossed her hat and tambourine on stage to give us a couple of her favorite tunes.
We always enjoy Judith's show.

Ralph Kuster

Branson, Missouri singer, Ralph Kuster, stopped by to perform
at Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret.  Ralph did a fine performance of the Frank Sinatra tunes "Nice and Easy'" and, "My Way."

Cara

The lovely young singer, Cara gave a terrific performance
of the Aretha Franklin hit, "Chain of Fools."

Michael Love

The fabulous singer, Michael Love returned
to the Cabaret for another sensational
presentation of "One In A Million."


Last up to close out one more great
evening of entertainment was Christine
(no pic) who did a fine job on the finale number,   "I'm Beginning to
See the Light."

Special thanks to Skye Dee Miles for doing such a great job guest hosting the Cabaret.  Thanks also go to the great musicians playing all night long, musical director, Mike Clark on keys, Billy Adams on drums, and sitting in, guest guitarist, Tony Drake. 
And, we were really happy to see super DJ/special effects guy, Kevin Cordova back on the job --and, 

Kevin Cordova (r)

Bootlegger host,
J.T. Thompson.







KELLY CLINTON WILL BE BACK THIS WEEK!!
Please join us!!
Perform, Promote Your Gig,
Dine In, Chill Out
It's Always a Blast!!!
Showtime:  9 PM @ Bootlegger Bistro, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Dining room reservations:  702-736-4939