Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret: Trevor Veitch

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/

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.

Was that really Joan Rivers performing at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret last Monday night ---or was it that famous female impersonator, Frank Marino?
It could have been one or the other but it wasn’t!! IT WAS the absolutely fabulous singer/impressionist and all round entertainer, Kelly Clinton, who opened the show with her “adult only” comedic take on Joan Rivers. The off-color one liners, over the top anecdotes and Kelly’s original lyrics to the song The Bitch is Back launched another unforgettable evening of outstanding entertainment that brought the fans to their feet.
Master musician, Mike Clark, in the guise of Elton John, was on the keys!

When Kelly came back on as Joan, she confessed "I'm not really Joan Rivers!" (Could have fooled the crowd with the looks, the costume, the outrageous jokes and the great laughs). Off came the wig, "It's me, Kelly!"

Kicking off the evening’s line up of great entertainers, was top jazz/blues singer, Gayle Thompson-Steele, who performed her first number accompanied by her husband, musician Tommy Steele on the saxophone-- and Kelly’s super band. The audience clamored for more Gayle and their request was granted when she sang their all-time favorite Gayle Thompson- Steele number, My Funny Valentine.

A little later in the show, Tommy Steele joined the band once more for a spectacular saxophone solo piece, Europa, by famed Latin musician Gato Barbieri. Tommy followed up that excellent presentation with his triple-threat performance playing sax, harmonica and singing, I’m Ready, by Muddy Waters.

Lena Prima was next up performing Silly in the Middle, a light-hearted original about ‘that in-love feeling’ she wrote and recorded for her new album coming out in March. Then Lena (right photo) stepped up the beat with an amazing performance of her dad’s arrangement of I’ve Got You Under My Skin . (Like father like daughter, like mother like daughter. Lena’s parents are Louis Prima and Prima vocalist, Gia Maione. The apple don’t fall far….). Catch Lena at the Suncoast Hit Parade show on Thursday, February 25, at 2 pm . And, she’s headlining at the Star Bright Theater in Summerlin on Saturday evening, February 27.

Diva Michelle Johnson, fresh off the plane from a gig with Sonny Turner in Orlando, Florida, stopped by with just enough time to perform a wonderful vocal arrangement of All the Way. She announced Tuesday Night Jazz is back on at Brendon’s Pub in the Orleans The phenomenal Michelle Johnson, who seems to be booked everywhere, appears at Brendon’s one Tuesday night a month. http://www.michellejohnson.com/

A beautiful women with a voice to match , Geena Mattox, gave a powerful
performance of Stormy Weather. Geena (right) played the role of Carlotta
Guidicelli in the Las Vegas production of Phantom of the Opera.

Kelly, who does such a terrific job entertaining and hosting the Cabaret, keeps the show varied and moving with help from Bootlegger host and singer, J.T. Thompson (left) who is on the sidelines working with the entertainers who are anxiously waiting to get on the mic,

The Mastriani Fashions’ family, all in town from New York, California and here in Vegas, were at the Bootlegger Monday night dining and enjoying the show. Thanks to our dear friend, and men's apparel expert, "Marco Polo" for inviting the entire group.

Next up, Kelly introduced singer/songwriter, Andrew Scott, (photo right)
who with mic in hand, took his place on a stool and gave a terrific performance of the Caribbean style R&B number, All Night Long. So cool.

Jazz artist Kitty Montgomery stepped up in style to perform an original jazz piece. She sure can sing. Kaci Machacyk, a 23 year-old singer and the host of Vegas 5W’s web broadcasts, gave a great performance of You Know I’m No Good, by Amy Winehouse. And also, back this week was magician, Kyle Marlett with a new trick up his sleeve, and singer Jacqueline, who costumed herself as Patsy Cline for her number, Crazy. (See More Photos)

The dynamic Bobby Brooks Hamilton had the crowd groovin’ during his first number, I Can’t Help Myself . The outstanding showman followed up with a knock-out, right on, surprise take on the one and only, Little Richard. The master impressionist/musician and singer amazed the crowd when he took on the full persona of the legendary artist Little Richard with his “ I’m so pretty “ dialogue, facial expressions, vocals, and piano play ----it was all there! Bobby pulled it off with perfection --without the costume, wig, or make-up.
His performance was incredible !!

Bill Fayne, musical director for Clint Holmes and also singer extradinaire with The Las Vegas Tenors, was back this week looking really fine. Bill got up for a few minutes to talk about the upcoming special event at the Sun Coast, Las Vegas Entertainers Salute to Bill Fayne set for Saturday, March 6, at 2 pm. Bill recently experienced some serious health problems that has kept him out of work for many months now so the show is designed as a benefit performance. Bill said, in some big market cities the entertainers are always competing with one and other, “In Las Vegas we are one big family.” So true. Sitting close by, Suncoast show producer, Ed Matthews said tickets for the event are on sale at all the Coast Casinos and on line. Headliners, Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton-Holmes will host the show and Bill is looking forward to performing along with the many other great entertainers who will be on stage.

Back to the Cabaret entertainers----American Idol contestant from Season 4,
a guy who just might make it back into Season 9, Las Vegas’ own, Sham “B.
Soul” Lewis stepped onto the stage . The very talented performer sang What’s
Going On. Sham, (right photo) who bills himself as B. Soul, is currently
appearing at Jerry’s Nugget on Friday nights.

You never know what celebrity might be out in the audience, so when Kelly started singing the 1980‘s hit “Gloria” it was her segue to introduce the co-writer of that hit tune, celebrated musician/singer/songwriter and music producer, Trevor Veitch. A major player in the music industry since the 1960‘s, Trevor Veitch currently produces the “in and out” music for all the shows on the Fox Network,. Veitch was sitting in a booth with his wife Evan, and his longtime buddy from way back, Clint Holmes.

Clint Holmes joined his wife, Kelly Clinton-Holmes, on stage. The dynamic duo gave a terrific performance of Teach Me Tonight. Clint and Kelly also just arrived back in Vegas a couple of hours before the show from Florida, where Clint had a very successful tour with the Palm Beach Pops Orchestra. This kind of spontaneous performance happens a lot at Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret at the Bootlegger --- the only place to be on Monday nights!

With musical director, Mike Clark on the keys, Kevin Lyon on guitar, and Billy Adams on drums, the band is so fabulous most of the performers choose to perform with live music. For those who opt for tracks, DJ/singer, Kevin Cordova is there for them. Let the music play!!!!

Closing out the night, Gerry G, a 71 years old fellow with a powerful voice, sang Unchained Melody in Italian and English. You are never too old! Gerry is going for a new career in music and as of last Monday was waiting to hear where he stands with his American Idol audition. Good Luck Gerry! Next up was Kellis David McDonald, a unique entertainer who plays guitar and harmonica while singing, gave us a wonderful performance of Hard to Get. Welcome back Kellis. In the closing number Judith Marinelli-Hayek, dressed to the nines and wearing a bright feathered boa, gave a man-pleasing performance of Hey Big Spender.

Join Us for Kelly Clinton's Open Mic Cabaret at the Bootlegger Italian Bistro every Monday Night.
Doors open at 8:30 pm. Bring yourself, bring your friends, come for dinner, come to perform, the mic is open for all talented entertainers!! It's ALWAYS A BLAST!!

Bootlegger Bistro
7700 Las Vegas Blvd. So.

Call for reservations for the dining room : 702-736-4939