American soccer fans were elated with Team USA’s recent win at the World Cup in South Africa. For the first time, our country has a real chance. It’s a great triumph for USA, USA, USA!  Too bad the lost their 3rd game.

This past weekend we were treated to two major awards shows, The Daytime Emmys  and the 2010 BET Awards. The Emmy awards held at The Hilton was one of the better recent Emmy shows. Regis Philbin, (a good coice for host). kept things moving smoothly and the overall production was great.  In recent years their viewership has been dropping, but hopefully this will change  and Las Vegas will get to host next years awards. The Hilton, CBS, and Las Vegas should all benefit from this. My staff tells me the BET Awards, hosted by Queen Latifa, was as much as a performance show as an awards show with Kanye West opening and Chris Brown doing a great Michael JAckson tribute,  Also performing among others;  Aicia Keyes, El DeBarge, Usher, and show-stopper Patti LaBelle. Prince was there to receive  the 2010 Lifetime Acheivement Award.

For those who’ve been waiting for a performance in Las Vegas by yours truly, Monti Rock III, the time has come. I’ll be peforming in a special one night event at Hennessey’s Tavern downtown on Fremont Street in two weeks.  Monti Rock III will appear at the supper club at Hennessey’s on July 11. Derek David is currently starring in a show that presents the sounds of Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra and others from earlier times in a well-polished manner. There are few dinner shows anymore in Las Vegas, so my first visit to Hennessey’s found me surprised by such a delightful meal, including dessert, and great service for a rather small room that holds aprroximately 80 guests. Dinner and a show in fabulous downtown Las Vegas for only $40, and this includes Monti Rock III. Some of the night’s proceeds will go to my favorite charities.

Fremont Street Experience has brought the disco sounds of the ’70s to downtown Las Vegas this summer. Soon, Disco Tex rides again at Hennessey’s!

At a small dinner party at JR’S on S.Durango where Armand Assante and Michael Tadross  and associates were discussing their plans regarding two theme restaurants for two major properties in Las Vegas, I was assured the ’70s are back.

Lots of show biz dignitaries were at the Luxor to attend a gathering at LAX nightclub. Sounds like it might become a regular event for show folks to gather and discuss finding performance venues, etc.  This evening included The Scintas, Jeff McBride, Catherine Hickland (David Hasselhoff’s ex) among others.  Unfortunately, I missed the gathering this time.

The man of many talents, Wayne Brady, opened to rave reviews at the Venetian. Wayne is back in fine form after a long hiatus taking care of his vocal cords. For right now, Wayne will continue to host his Emmy-winning television show Let’s Make A Deal.

Another outstanding performance of the week was Sting at the MGM Arena.  This was a first for Sting, who performed all of his hits with a full orchestra.  The show was a sell out.

Phantom at the Venetian celebrated their fourth anniversary last week. I’ve seen the show a dozen times or so and each time I find the music, the voices, the costumes, the theater…. all of it exhilarating. This performance was lilke no other I’ve seen. Anthony Crivello was unbelievable. This man acts as well as he sings and that is someting. Tina Walsh was also a standout. I know the show has been all around the world but it’s doubtful that any of the other shows could possibly compare with the Las Vegas production.

Suncoast has a great lineup for July, strting with Las Vegas favorite Clint Holmes, who returns to Suncoast on July 10 and 11.  Deanna Martin will star in her show, “A Tribute to My Father Dean Martin,” July 24 and 25 followed by Jay White performing his tribute to Neil Diamond July 31 and August 1.

Tournament of Kings at The Excalibur recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. Think of the poor porters who clean up after the horses!  However, it is a great one-of-a-kind show in Las Vegas.

As a charity fund-raiser, Ante Up For Africa could be one of the most fun, especially if you’re a poker player or a fan of the game. The event will take place Saturday, July 3 at the Rio All Suites Hotel & Casino and is hosted by Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle and poker pro Annie Duke. Several well-knowns are expected to attend, including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Ray Romano, Brad Garrett, and Jerome Bettis, just to name a few. For full details contact bbell@harrahs.com.

Yard House has two locations in Las Vegas but I was introduced to this restaurant at Red Rock Resort last week where I was surprised to find such a diverse menu, including 130 varieties of draft beer. It’s casual dining with outstanding food and service. A Las Vegas must, for sure.

It’s been a year since Michael Jackson died, and after recently seeing the documentary “This Is It”  for a second time, it still remains hard to accept.  Again I’m reminded of his tremendous talent and the genius of the great Kenny Ortega who managed to create “This Is It” even in Michael’s absence. Thank you Kenny for keeping the memories alive. Of course, the “scavengers” are all there trying to get a piece of the $250 million earned since his death. And then there’s poor Latoya, who had an emotional reunion with Bubbles, Michael’s pet chimp. Very touching, ahem, ahem.  Donny Osmand did a radio tribute to his friend Michael on the anniversary date of his death and Alicia Jacobs did a TV interview with Jermaine Jackson.

Frank Sinatra is still with us, at least in our thoughts (thankfully). His family as well as Steve Wynn and Andrea Hissom were all at dinner at Sinatra, the Italian steak house at Encore to celebrate the Sinatra Family Estates’ new “Come Fly With Me” wine.

A summer favorite television show, ” Hot In Cleveland,” is appearing on TV Land. Funny, Funny, Funny! The three “girls” – Valerie Bertinelli,
Jane Leeves and Wendy Malik – are great. And then there’s scene-stealer Betty White, who is the greatest!

Dennis Bono has moved his local show from Sam’s Town to South Point.   Salaries at contract renewal time were reportedly behind the change.

Vegas Magazine’s seventh anniversary party was the scene of a quiet catfight as one of our local female entertainment writers was supposedly told by one of the local co-hosts that she was not welcome. I wonder who that might be.

Just a reminder that Rev Monti is available to make your wedding ceremony a most memorable occasion.

Please direct all blog related correspondence to    revmonti@yahoo.com