Each time I see Jersey Boys at the Palazzo, I’m reminded of all the twists and turns our lives take. First of all,  let me say this show is an absolute must-see if you have even a remote interest in the sounds of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The show is filled with great music and tells the story of real people who made a contribution to the world of music. Congratulations to everyone involved with Jersey Boys at the Palazzo, and especially to my great friend, Frankie Valli.

The original producer of The Four Seasons, which at the time included lead singer Frankie Valli, was Bob Crewe. Of course, this was several years ago when I was a young man in New York City, but I had heard about this genius who was writing and producing hits for the pop generation. By the time I landed in Hollywood, I had already been with Atlantic Records and Mercury Records. I was actually signed by Seymour Stein way before he signed Madonna, but no one could find me a hit record and a hit was what the doctor ordered. I had a lot of television coverage on the Tonight Show and Merv Griffin’s Show, but couldn’t crack the recording industry. Enter Bob Crewe, who decided to make a stab with one hitch. Change the name from Monti Rock III to Disco Tex and we’ll find the Sex-O-Lettes. At the time, I had nothing to lose. The first record, Get Dancin’, went to the top 10.  Next came I Want To Dance, which jumped to No. 3.  So far, so good.  Following three albums, there were litigations, lawsuits and no royalties for years. Bob Crewe became part of the legacy that is Monti Rock III and after all these years of twists and turns, I am grateful my life is full of many parts, my legacy.

Queen Victoria’s Pub celebrated their grand opening at the Riviera two weeks ago. There was an enormous crowd that evening,  so a return visit was in order. This is an authentic British pub serving authentic British food and offering an outstanding selection of brews. Nick Jones, the “London  Sausage Man,” says many of the items on the menu have been created with imported ingredients that keep everything up to standards. The menu has a selection of pies (shephard, steak and kidney) and bangers and mashed (traditional English sausages and buttery mashed potatoes) that would please any of our friends from England, who I understand are coming in larger numbers these days, thanks to the transatlantic flights available. Following our entrees of fish ‘n chips and lamb with rice, we were treated to desserts that included apple/blackberry turnover, blueberry turnover, chocolate volcano cake and ice cream. Again, for the real thing, it’s Queen Victoria’s Pub at the Riviera Hotel & Casino.

Not exactly sure what’s causing the lack of interest in some of the tours this year, but the American Idol tour hasn’t been a sellout and Christina Aguillera has canceled her tour dates. Similar situations have begun to plague our nightclub scene. Only two new mega-clubs will open this year as compared to five last year, and several of the smaller clubs will close or already have closed their doors. Tao and Pure remain two of the top clubs in town.

Since Louie Anderson has left the Excalibur and moved to Palace Station, the time slot will be taken over by  John Bentham’s production of Defending the Caveman, starring Kevin Burke

“Vegas! The Show” at the David Saxe Theater in the Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood is Old Vegas at its best. Great singers, dancers, and costumes plus several variety acts make for a most entertaining production. This is the type of show that helped  make Las Vegas the entertainment capital, and we need more of them..

Criss Angel is making more changes to his show at Luxor. There reportedly will  be more Criss and less Cirque  in the revised show, which will be finished by October. This could quite possibly be the shot in the arm that Criss needs. Let’s face it, his illusions are what made him, not the Cirque backgrounds. Criss will be back from vacation on July 17th and begin introducing the new material.

Bob Cayne, of Global Entertainment, has been named president of Live Nation Concerts, Las Vegas. which recently merged with Ticketmaster. One of their goals will be  to bring in the type of shows that the locals would enjoy. Bob has been booking Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance and will contiue to do so.

Thanks to the efforts of our city officials and the Fireman’s Union, a new contract was ratified this week. Concessions by both sides will allow our great crew of firefighters to continue working to keep us safe.

Rock ‘n’ roll themed restaurants are very popular in this town. The newest, Rock & Rita’s Restaurant and Bar at Circus Circus, held a grand opening party last week. They feature the world’s best flair bartenders, rock ‘n’ roll, and an all-American menu by master chef Alsonso Contrisciani. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late nite dining to be served daily.

As previously mentioned, Dennis Bono has moved his weekly radio show from Sam’s Town  to South Point. Variety Toast of the Town is the replacement. They held a grand opening “meet and greet” at Cafe in the Park at Sam’s Town.

Economic woes are still plaguing us here in  the valley. Town Square Mall, the beautiful shopping, dining, and entertainment center has gone into default.  Shoppers and everyday actilvities should not be affected, but it’s sad to see another attraction in trouble.

Speaking of trouble, Lindsay Lohan can’t stay out of it. Her recent sentencing to 90 days in jail followed by another 90-day stint in rehab is not, in my opinion, the answer. Three months in jail is a stiff sentence for a probation offense. Lindsay should be placed in long-term rehab that includes aftercare. I feel her parents are a big part of her problem, as they seem to seek publicity for themselves rather than be concerned with the welfare of their daughter.

And now a little note about me, (for a change).  I did my new one-man show at Hennessey;s Pub last week,  if I may say so myself, the show was a tremendous hit    Mimi Hines, choreograher Papote Varet,  pianist Paul Badia, and publicist Trish Williamson  helped make for a memorable evening.

Hopefully this show will be the first of more to follow.

PLEASE  REFER ALL BLOG RELATED CORRESPONDENCE TO:            revmonti@yahoo.com

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