Saturday, April 24, 2010

The Buzz: A Hot Time in the Old Town Monday Nights!!

What a blast it is every Monday night at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret at the Bootlegger Bistro. Last Monday was no exception when the star of Menopause the Musical, Skye Dee Miles stepped in to guest host the show while Kelly Clinton was in North Carolina with her husband, Clint Holmes, for the closing week of Clint’s play, My Own Song.


Skye kicked off the entertainment with her hot, exciting performance of that great blues number, Evil Gal Baby.  Skye wore a knock out, sexy hot pink dress with matching shoes and a huge flower adornment in her hair. There’s just no limit to Skye’s talent as an entertainer, she’s fabulous. Add in all that fashion style and it’s not surprising that this month Skye is celebrating the one-year anniversary of her own boutique, Miles of Style located in Boonville, Missouri.



On with the show…..First up was marvelous singer Lannie Counts with a terrific performance of Tears of a Clown, the 1970 Motown hit by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles.  Lannie is an awesome performer who works as a ‘Dealertainer’ at the Imperial Palace where he impersonates the great Stevie Wonder.  For his second number, Lannie really blew us away with his powerful rendition of Just Once, by James Ingram.



Next came a fabulous performance by the young, beautiful and oh, so talented 10 year old, Kaela Johson-Smith. Kaela’s outstanding performance of Whitney Houston’s power ballad I Have Nothing brought the crowd to their feet for a standing ovation. Currently, Kaela studies voice at Deblanc Music Academy. Keep an eye on this young lady, she is without a doubt an up and coming future star!



The lovely Lori Simpson returned this week to rock out on her first number All Right, Okay, You Win, a popular tune recorded by such greats as Joe Williams, Billy Eckstine and Bette Midler. Lori followed up with a terrific performance of the swinging tune World on a StringMike Clark’s fingers were jamming on the keys during the bridge and Billy Adams was kicking on the drums.
Lori Simpson recorded radio spots that have aired statewide for the Nevada Broadcaster’s Association.  She’s now the voice on the information line for Hollywood and Vine Talent Casting in Hollywood, California. Lori is just getting back into the biz as a singer. She’s looking to do studio or live performance gigs, so keep this talented gal in mind.


A young and very personable singer, Alex Christopher stepped up next to perform the Michael Buble` version of Fly Me To The Moon.  Alex has a wonderful voice and at only 19 years old he has developed a unique style of performing with plenty of personality to go with it. Alex was back later in the show for his second number, a super performance of My Way, the song written by Paul Anka and popularized by Frank SinatraElvis Presley began performing the song in concert in the mid-70’s. Look for Alex Christopher and his dad, Paul Prandeke at The Variety Show at the South Point Casino on Sunday, April 25.




The grand piano got a real workout when four, yes four, super talented musicians played some really great piano Monday night. First up was prominent pianist Danny Wright who accompanied the lovely singer/songwriter Susan Haller for their performance of Walking in Faith, an original song composed by Danny Wright with lyrics by Susan Haller. Then Danny and Susan performed their special arrangement of the popular tune, Summertime.
Susan Haller is taking her true story, “A Dead Guy in My Daughter’s Bedroom” up to Seattle to perform at a reading/fundraiser for the Pikes Place Market Theater on May 5.
The amazing pianist Danny Wright is playing at the Liberace Museum on May 1, starting at noon and at Grace in the Desert Episcopal Church in Summerlin on May 16.




Isaiah Mercado demonstrated more of his outstanding talent during his show when he took to the 'grand' for a piano and vocal solo of  Use Somebody,  recorded by Kings of LeonIsaiah was looking spectacular in his custom made silver leather jacket which really showed off during his next exciting performance of The Way You Make Me FeelIsaiah is a magnificent Michael Jackson tribute artist who really has the natural look of the King of Pop. With his fabulous voice and all his MJ dance moves down to perfection, Isaiah really deserves a shot at auditioning for the forthcoming MGM Resorts/Cirque du Soleil show 'Michael Jackson and his music.' Currently Isaiah Mercado is auditioning for an upcoming tour. This week he will be performing for a wedding at Viva Las Vegas Chapel.

The beautiful singer Laurie Cook returned to the open mic this week with a fantastic performance of Desperado, the title song recorded by the Eagles on their 1973 album. Laurie Cook’s choice of the romantic love song was a perfect selection to show her remarkable vocal range and ability to perform in country rock style.  Skye Dee Miles complimented Laurie on her fabulous vocal range with 'That was great. I heard some $50.00 notes!'
Now that's a compliment!!






Little did anyone guess what was to come next, not even Skye or the performer who spoke out from the audience with “Where the hell’s the band?!!!!” Mike Clark and Billy Adams scrambled quickly to get to their places. The entire performance was spontaneous right from the get go when the dynamic Bobby Brooks Hamilton stepped on stage and said “Okay guys what are we going to do.” Two seconds later the decision was made to go with the Ben E. King and the Drifters number, Stand By Me ---and the most explosive performance of the evening was underway!! We are talking, dynamite, smokin, on fire!!! Bobby starts off the song, then urges Skye to join him in a powerful duet. Let’s face it you don’t see hot, hot performers like these two set a place on fire like this
very often.

Okay so now Skye moves off stage and Bobby shoves the microphone under the nose of the fabulous singer, Elisa Furr. In a lightening second the statuesque lady with the big voice was on her feet and smokin big time. Skye gets on Bobby’s case for messing with that other woman and he’s backing up on center stage when a shout comes out from the crowd.
Before you could blink an eye, Miz Buffie Lucas using her most powerful voice was on stage giving Bobby an amazing vocal thing or two about how not to treat a woman. You really had to be there to see all the expressive antics that took place before, during and after Bobby, Skye and Buffie wrapped the number up to a roaring standing ovation. Talk about rocking the house! Talk about a hot damn performance! It was the BOMB!










Next, the dynamic Bobby Brooks Hamilton followed up with his terrific solo of 634-5789 (Soulville, U.S.A.) by Wilson Pickett.
Then Skye came on stage to enjoy Bobby gettin` down with his Elvis moves, shimmy and all............


................That led into the introduction of pianist extraordinaire Sebastian who came on stage doing some Elvis moves.  Skye took that bit and ran with it by starting an Elvis contest between four guys including Sebastian, a gentleman named Rob, Bill Bane and Tupua Tony Ainu`u. The crowd judged each contestant by applause and Tupua Tony, who bills himself as the Elvis Beyonce Shaker, was declared the winner! Another bit of spontaneous fun!!



Now is was time for the awesome piano player Sebastian to perform another of his outstanding medleys starting with the Latin number Moliendo CafĂ©` followed by, Y.M.C.A, into Besame Mucho and the finale, I Will Survive. An up close view of the player at the piano is really something to see as Sebastian’s fingers bounce and fly from the piano keys to the upper keyboard and back while his foot works the pedals during his powerful musical performances. It’s a WOW!






Newcomer. Vinchenz Dillardo, who says he is a Black Italian that loves to sing Sinatra music. He started off with an explanation of his heritage before singing his first tune, Summer Wind. Vinchenz has a unique personal stage style and fashion sense. When his engaging second Frank Sinatra number, Nice and Easy, came to an end Vinchenz signed off with “Bada Bing, Badda Boom!”



The attention moved back to the grand piano where Steven Rosato, a pharmacy student here in Las Vegas with no professional piano experience, played two beautiful piano solos. Steven started with his wonderful performance of Knock You Down. For his amazing finale, Steven Rosato played the intrumental version of  Dead and Gone, from the album Paper Trail, by rapper T. I. featuring Justin Timberlake.




The performances by three of the lovely ladies that sang Monday night were really good starting with the terrific vocalist, Kat Ray (r) on the swinging jazzy tune, I Love Being Here With You
Later on, newcomer to the open mic, Andrea E. (L) gave a fine performance of Killing Me Softly.



And, Thai Lewis did a great hot rendition of Orange Colored Sky. The best known version of this song was recorded in 1950 by Nat King Cole. The fabulous lyrics were written by Milten DeLugg and Willie Stein.



Comedian/singer/impressionist, Willie Asbury was back opening with the Barry White tune, Can’t Get Enough of Your Love. Willie fractured the crowd with his fantastic takes on American life and popular celebrities. Willie is a veteran performer who has appeared on HBO, Showtime at the Apollo and other televised comedy specials. Willie was only back in town 5 weeks when he landed his own show at the L.A. Comedy Club at the Four Queens in downtown Las Vegas. Catch Willie Asbury there every Friday night.




Skye brought up singer, Len InDelicato, but there was a short delay getting his track set up so the band sat in for Len’s very fine, smooth and easy rendition of the romantic Engelbert Humperdinck tune, After the Loving.


Miz Buffie Lucas, a longtime favorite at Kelly Clinton shows at the Bootlegger, was back on stage for her solo performance. Buffie did an amazing presentation of  Just My Imagination, a song that was recorded by the Temptations and became a big hit during the super seventies. The fabulous Miz Buffie Lucas is a member of the Saints Unified Voice, a gospel choir directed by the celebrated singer Gladys Knight.



The phenomenal vocalist Lisa Gay and the awesome guitarist Tony Drake had musicians Mike Clark and Billy Adams behind them during their fabulous performance of  Under Your Spell. Lisa Gay is an amazing vocalist who uses her voice like an instrument. She’s a master of Soul/R&B, Jazz and Pop music with a fantastic vocal range and incredible style. Lisa and her husband Tony met while they were both on tour with Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr..  Tony Drake has played and recorded with many of the top names in the music business including the Checkmates, Cher, Tina Turner, and a very long list of famous others. Most recently he toured with Barry White, Lou Rawls and Lisa Gay.

This Sunday, April 25, Kelly Clinton Productions presents Lisa Gay and the Gentlemen of Thrill at 8:30 pm in the Celebrity Spotlight at the Bootlegger Bistro. The Gentlemen are musical director Tony Drake on guitar, Reginald Johnson on keyboards, Terry Binn on bass and vocals and Shawn Elsbend on drums. ......Book your reservations now at 702-736-4939. You don’t want to miss this!!!

Leana Carter, known as Lace in the marvelous singing group Sylk, Satan and Lace, gave an astonishing performance of At Last, a tune considered by many to be one of the greatest torch songs ever written. Etta James recorded it in 1960 and it became her signature song.  At Last was written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for the musical Orchestra Wives.
Leana’s mother, Breonte Porter (Sylk) was out in the crowd celebrating her birthday. In honor of Breonte’s special day, Skye sang her the Happy Birthday tune
The fantabulous “dream girls” group, Sylk, Satin and Lace will perform at Texas Station on May 15.



We are coming to the end of another great show with guest host, the one and only, Skye Dee Miles who will tell you that keeping the Cabaret rolling smoothly is not easy! Skye did a great job!!!
...........So here he comes, Sexy Manuel, AKA, Kevin Cordova, our fantastic DJ/special effects guy and singer in his own right. Kevin gave another great performance singing Lightening Crashes by the band Live.



Late night performer, Alex Boye` dropped by to show us some of his talent by delivering a dynamite performance of  Let’s Stay Together by Al Green. Alex recently appeared in concert at the South Point Casino. Originally from London, England, Alex performed with the British boy band Awesome and opened for many big acts. Alex Boye` is a Pearl Award winner for several contemporary Gospel CDs and he is a member of the world renown Mormon Tabernacle Choir.


Last up to close out another great Cabaret show, J. T. Thompson gave a wonderful performance of The Leader of the Band, the song written and recorded by Dan Fogelberg as a tribute to his musician father.

J.T. gave Skye Dee Miles a big thank you for doing such a great job as guest host and her awesome performance!


Thanks go out to all Kelly Clinton’s A-Team members, J.T. Thompson, musical director Mike Clark, drummer, Billy Adams and of course, DJ Kevin Cordova.



Kelly Clinton will be back next Monday night!! Thanks to all the entertainers and guests who drop by each and every week for Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret!!

Please join us next Monday night, April 26, at the Bootlegger Bistro, Showtime 9 pm
Perform, Promote Your Gig, Dine In,  Chill Out, Have a Blast!!!!
Make your dining reservations at 702-736-4939     Bootlegger Bistro, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South


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                  See You Monday Night!!!!!!   Kelly Clinton

Friday, April 16, 2010

The Buzz: There’s No Business Like Show Business!

It may be a tough way to make a living at times but boy can a career in show biz be a blast!!! Take it from Kelly Clinton who loves entertaining so much she frequently transforms herself into satirical characters just to keep her show fresh, funny and full of surprises. At her Open Mic Cabaret Monday night at the Bootlegger Bistro, Kelly opened her show as Gladys Flatball, a Las Vegas showgirl with the ‘Follies Brazzere’ since the 1950‘s. Gladys arrived in full costume and despite the fact she walked with a cane, gained a lot of weight and aged quite a bit, she still looked great!! For the most part that is ---there was a bit of a problem regarding her ‘drooping boobs’ that just didn’t want to stay put inside the costume during her hot number, Hey Big Spender. Funny stuff.

Gladys said, “I’m still on call for the Follies Brazzere’ but apparently nobody ever gets sick.” Then she added a cascade of one-liners including, “I was gonna wear my peek-a-boo blouse but everybody would peek and then boo!” What a terrific ‘Kelly Clinton kick-off’ to one more great Cabaret show!



Let’s get on with the show of entertainers who joined Kelly last Monday night.   First up at the mic was that wonderful singer/entertainer Mark O’Toole who started off  his spotlight show with Bandstand Boogie, the popular theme from Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, written by Barry Manilow.  Following the hoppin and boppin tune, Mark gave a terrific performance of the Michael Buble` version of All of Me.  There’s a lot of good stuff going on for Mark O’Toole. He’s appearing this month at the M Resort in the Ravello Room on Saturdays starting at 6:30 pm for his two hour show. Then next month he will be at the M two nights a week on Fridays and Saturdays. Yes!



By the way, that awesome singer and very dear friend, Mark Giovi was in Monday night but had to run early to perform in his starring role in Bite at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino. Mark didn’t get a chance to sing for us ---as he has many other times--- due to his scheduled show performance. Everyone is looking forward to seeing Mark back at the Cabaret whenever he gets a chance to stop by again.  (Mark is sitting with  Marco of Mastroianni Fashions)



Next Kelly introduced a favorite Jazz/Blues stylist, Gayle Thompson Steele. Actually Gayle can sing any style and sound great. She was the lead vocalist for the Naval Academy Band for twenty years before she made the move to Vegas to join her brother, Las Vegas headliner Clint Holmes, in his show at Harrah’sGayle gave an outstanding performance of When I Fall In Love as she made her way throughout the audience in that up close and personal style everyone at the Bootlegger enjoys so much. The band was terrific with Mike Clark jazzin it up on the keys and Billy Adams keeping the beat on drums.




Kelly introduced Paul Stubblefield who came up to bring on another friend, singer, Artis Brown. Artis is originally from Detroit but moved here from Atlanta a few months ago.
For her first performance at Kelly’s Open Mic Cabaret, the petite lady with a big voice, Artis Brown gave a fine performance of Since I Fell for You, with the fabulous band behind her.



The next act was a surprise treat for the crowd. Nine-year old Gianni Cardinale may be young but he is well on his way to becoming a future star. Gianni stepped up to the mic with the confidence of a seasoned performer. Actually he is a seasoned performer as he has played the role of “Young Steve” in the Steve Wyrick Magic Show -- and Gianni is currently playing “Mini John” Lennon in the Beatles “Love” at the Mirage!! He is also in the current Station Casino “The Feast” commercial. Gianni Cardinale, a young boy with a very big future gave an incredible performance of the Elvis Presley tune, If I Can Dream.
The song was a very appropriate choice for Gianni who attends Dream Believers Acting School, a learning center that encourages young students to perform in front of a live audience. Gianni and other young performers get a chance to perform once a month at the Sunday early show at the Bootlegger Bistro.




The lovely and talented Kaci Machacyk was next up with her sizzling performance of that great disco tune Last Dance. The song was written by the late Paul Jabara and became a hit record for Donna Summer in 1978.

The hot young singer Kaci Machacyk is also an actress and the star host of Vegas 5W, a televised web broadcast focusing on Las Vegas’ lifestyle ‘off the Strip.’ Check out the show at http://www.vegas5w.com/




Next Kelly introduced celebrity entertainer and really awesome singer, Early Clover, a performer best known in Vegas as lead vocalist of Cornell Gunter’s Coasters. Early has worked with Kelly many times over the years ---most recently at the Stirling Club at Turnberry Towers and at corporate events. “There’s the soft side of Early, Kelly said, then there’s the……..” The crowd got to see both sides during Early’s beautiful performance of the soft and easy Nat King Cole number Unforgettable ---followed by the Early Clover ‘kicking butt’ side when he wowed the screaming crowd with his “unbelievable” killer performance of Try a Little Tenderness. .....Oh what a night!!!




The gorgeous singer Lauri Cook was up next with her fabulous vamp style performance of that hot tune Black Velvet, a song about Elvis Presley. Lauri was raised in Canada and it seems fitting that she chose to sing a hit tune written by Canadian musicians, David Tyson and Christopher Ward.  Black Velvet was recorded by Canadian singer Alannah Myles in 1989 and hit number one on the Billboard Top 100 Charts in 1990. It reached number one on the Album Rock Tracks as well as number one in Canada.





Comedian Derrick J. Stroman was back Monday night delivering his funny jokes and anecdotes. Derrick is from New York and is currently working the L.A. comedy circuit. This was Derrick’s second appearance at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret.



Up next was singer/songwriter, George DareGeorge writes music including popular jingles like the familiar Fletcher Jones Chevrolet commercial jingle. George has a wonderful voice and he gave a great performance of Walking in Memphis, the signature song of American singer-songwriter, Marc Cohn. Later in the show, George gave a powerful presentation of Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel.



Comedian/singer Willie Asbury was back starting off his spot with Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, the song written, recorded and produced by Barry White. This comic can sing, dance and bring on the laughter too. Willie introduced some more new material this Monday night starting with his impressions of ‘the ethnic changes’ in Las Vegas. Then he brought back some of the crowds favorite character impressions, Rodney Dangerfield and Richard Pryor plus his wonderful satire take on ethic cheerleaders.

Willie is a real comedy pro. He appeared in the Tropicana Comedy Stop for 12 years and now you can catch Willie Asbury at the Four Queens’ L.A. Comedy Club in Downtown Las Vegas on Friday nights starting 7:30 sharp.



Everyone has got to see the next performer and there’s no doubt you will be seeing him very soon in a big room tribute show. Brand new to Las Vegas and back this week for the second time, singer/entertainer/tribute artist Isaiah Mercado rocked out the crowd with his impeccable song and dance performance of Michael Jackson’s, Billie Jean. This time Isaiah added a bit of costume to enhance his show ---a sparkling black sequined jacket and a silver glove like Jackson wore for his acclaimed performance on Motown 25.  The crowd wanted more so after a minute or so of an A cappella version of Ben the track was set for his outstanding second number, Human Nature.  At 24 years old, Isaiah Mercado is an incredible performer. 
Tribute artist/singer/songwriter, Elisa Furr was so impressed she took some video and got together with Isaiah after his act to talk shop.



Jacqueline was back this Monday to perform as Grandma Taylor, a dear character who recited rather than sang Jacqueline’s original recorded ballad, Snow. Jacqueline has written and recorded many ballads during her career.

Her Grandma Taylor character was brought to life with the story of Snow and Jacqueline’s amazing flair for creating costume ensembles.



That outstanding Jazz stylist Kitty Montgomery was at the mic with her latest original Jazz arrangement of Summertime, a song first composed as an aria by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. The song soon became a Jazz standard and has been recorded by many well-known artists. Kitty gave another wonderful performance this Monday night.

Kitty Montgomery will be on tour in the Boca Raton area of Florida in the upcoming weeks before heading to Chicago where she will perform in a major Jazz show.




R&B singer Andrey SeVille was back in town this week to rock us out on Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together.
The tall Texan with plenty of soul did a super performance of the great R&B classic with the fabulous band backing him all the way.

Andrey SeVille will appear at Jerry’s Nugget on May 7 ---the date falls on Andrey’s birthday!  Have a good one!!!





That awesome singer/songwriter/musician, Paul Stubblefield was back on stage ---this time to perform a brand new original he wrote titled, I See Your Face. The song lyrics were so new Paul had the words scrawled on the paper he held while doing a terrific presentation of his own song.
So what was it that inspired Paul to write this tune?....The inquiring mind (Kelly) wanted to know.
As the story goes, Paul was walking with his dog Drummer on Pacific Beach in San Diego when he saw a lovely girl along the way who was walking with her dog. With that momentary encounter still vivid in his dreams, Paul’s song I See Your Face came to life. The music and lyrics are beautiful and no one can sing his song better than the artist himself, Paul Stubblefield.



Michael Cagle is back in town after a couple of weeks of vacationing with family up north. According to the fans, 'Michael gave one of his best performances ever' Monday night when  he sang  Somewhere from the musical West Side Story. “That was the bomb” one fan shouted out. Truly, it was a tremendous presentation by the powerful singer. Michael has a lot on his plate right now working with World Movement Records and considering some very exciting offers that have come his way recently.

Hard work pays off and we all know how hard Michael works at his career so it seems the time is right for Michael Cagle to shine. For right now, he wanted to take a few moments to express his praise for the outstanding performer and host of evening. Michael said he has worked with and has seen many talented performers ---but none more talented than Kelly Clinton ---“You are by far the most talented entertainer I have ever seen!” ....Nice!



The beautiful and talented singer, Andrea Li returned to the open mic for her second time ever. Andrea blew the crowd away last week with her fabulous opera voice and she did it again this Monday night with her beautiful and mesmerizing performance of All I Ask of You from the musical Phantom of the Opera. Andrea Li is a phenomenal talent!



Veteran performer Ron Star, the singer/musician who knocked us out about a month ago when he surprised us with a spectacular drum solo, was back at the mic this week. This time Ron Star chose to dedicate his song to the guys in the Elvis Presley band  that he got to know years ago. The story of the hang time Ron spent with the band is a precious memory he shared with the audience just before his fabulous performance of Presley’s song, I Can't Help Falling In Love With You, .......Good show!!



Kelly introduced “Sexy Manuel” a guy best known as Kevin Cordova, our DJ/Special Effects guy and member of Kelly’s A-Team

Kevin chose a very moving song about a man on the road and his response to his family that misses him. No one could do more justice to this poetic tune about how a guy feels about his family than Kevin Cordova. His powerful performance of I’m Already There, by American country music band Lonestar, proved once again that Kevin’s the man!



Before closing the show Kelly thanked all of her A-Team members including her musical director and band leader, Mike Clark, the spectacular drummer, Billy Adams, Bootlegger host, J.T. Thompson and of course, DJ/All round special effects guy, Kevin Cordova. Let’s hear it for the A-Team leader and phenomenal entertainer, Kelly Clinton for bringing us another fabulous Monday Night Open Mic Cabaret  at the Bootlegger Bistro.




Thanks to all the entertainers, our friends and fans for joining us on Monday nights at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret at the Bootlegger Bistro. LUV YAH!



Kelly Clinton will be in North Carolina next Monday with her husband, Clint Holmes, for the final performance week of Clint’s play, My Own Song.



The fabulous entertainer and
star of Menopause the Musical, Skye Dee Miles will be guest host next Monday night, April 19.

Join Us for the Blast!!!!!

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Come on Down!!!!!! Perform, Promote Your Gig, Dine In, Chill Out...Have a Blast!!! Reservations:  702-736-4939