MONTI-LICIOUS DEC 9, 2010
December 10th, 2010 | 
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Your traveling ambassador Monti Rock III has been busy, busy soaking up South Beach. As a house guest of my wonderful friends Sharon and Julian Siegel, in their fabulous oceanside digs on Sunny Isles, things could not have been better. The sunny, but unusually chilly, isles make for a wonderful back drop to my visit. It’s been one dinner party after another, delightful luncheons with the girls and great times with Ronnie and Ken Buzzi. Fun, laughter and reminiscing with friends made me realize how wonderful it is to be the Las Vegas Diva. Had I realized how special this all was going to be I might have considered going back to work earlier.
The recording sessions at Platinum Rock with Luis Martinez were wonderful, Luis is a genius. We managed a few breaks in the day to enjoy lunch at Versailles in “Little Havana” . Charming, lovely and delicious. My latest recordings will be sporting a new label. It’s all exciting and I can only say, “how lucky can Monti Rock be?”
A big surprise was Bill and Mariette Bakula who have been busy talking about his latest ventures. Mariette and I went shopping at Bal Harbor where of course there were more luncheons, more people, and more friends. Everyone was asking about the connection between Las Vegas and South Miami and I couldn’t hold back. In my opinion Las Vegas is the epitome of glamor with it’s restaurants, hotels and gaming. As an ambassador and columnist, not to mention the Queen of Mean, I keep telling friends Las Vegas is an amusement park with gaming.
It’s been a thrilling week for Mr. Rock. With a possible new writer for my autobiography and filming my every move it’s been divine my darlings, just divine. There’s nothing like old friends who embrace you and who validate your legend. A new recording, a show written and tailored for Mr. Rock and friends at every turn. What else can this Diva ask for?
My visit and work would not have been possible without Ida Puente Carlini, who has been extraordinary. Ida, who herself is a legend, had a family gathering with her sister Nancy, her daughter Tina and grand children.
When I return to Las Vegas I have many surprises for my fans, my supporters. I want to know from the bottom of my heart is that I love you all. I do miss my home and my partner. And remember this, wherever Montella goes, he always speaks of his home, Las Vegas. Viva Las Vegas.
I’ll soon be telling you all about my Annual Christmas Party on Dec.18 and I’ll be booking a few clubs to review my new recording. It’s good to be the King(or maybe Queen)!
A most important message…. our love and good wishes go out to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Be well my darling!-
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MONTI-LICIOUS NOV 22, 2010
I’m on the mend! Getting ready for my trip to Miami with Platinum Rock to record the brand new Spanish, Rap, Ranchero album. This week deals come in and deals go out. In Las Vegas,. it’s a deal a week. Everybody has ideas for Mr. Rock but there’s no money to back it. Case in point….. two radio shows built around my gossip columns and The Full Monti ended up using my brand but didn’t want to pay, so good bye, so long, Have a good life.
As I get ready for Thanksgiving there’s so much I have to be thankful for. Many supporters and friends who love me unconditionally. Of course Mr. Rock has his detractors who to me are public nuisances and should just go away.
This week my first public outing was to the Saxe Theater in the Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood to see Liberace, Music and Memory. The impressionist, Willard Packard, who looks like Liberace, talks like him and if I may be so bold, is as corny as the Liberace I knew. Willard is the best musician I’ve seen in a long time. It’s a 2:00 PM afternoon show which can be a hard sell.
While at the Saxe Theater I had a chance to talk about one of my favorite shows, Vegas! The Show. This is another David Saxe creation, and I think his best to date. One of the male leads wanted more money to stay with the show, so now he’s out. The guy was good and maybe deserved the increase. Just my opinion.
Sunday I went to the Colosseum to see Mr. Rock ‘n Roll, Mr. Personality, the one and only raspy voiced Rod Stewart. The show was completely sold out and the fans were exhilarated by Rod’s performance. The show is well staged with singers and female musicians. It’s one of the best shows Ive seen at the Colosseum. I was thoroughly entertained. He is being considered as one of the future residents of the Colosseum family. Coming soon are New Kids on the Block and Sade.
I did get to see the American Music Awards on tape. this show was full of todays younger artists, and of course the big winners were Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift. Usher was another winner. He does have class and style and is a great dancer with somewhat of a Michaeal Jackson flair. The show had fabulous staging and special effects, but, personally I miss the old days when you could remember songs and lyrics. Thank you Michael Buble.
In this column I want to talk to the Wayne Newton neighbors and detractors. Let’s support him in his endeavor. He’s the last of our legends. Turning his estate into a tourist attraction will ultimately be good for everyone, especially the small businesses in the area, as long as the buses, etc., are regulated.
To everyone…. Happy Thanksgiving. December 18 is my annual Christmas Party which will be hosted by newly weds Debbie and Bob Swan. If you are planning to be married, contact The Rev Monti for a “Million Dollar Wedding”,.
MONTI-LICIOUS NOV 18, 2010
Trying to keep everybody who reads this blog up to date. While I was not able to attend the Diana Ross concert at the Colosseum my spies and sources tell me it was a huge success. She changed gowns five or six times. The audience was made up of Diana’s fans which include her pop music followers as well as her gay following. George Wallace, who opened was great. Diana Ross has always been most gracious to yours truly. If you’ve met her once, she never forgets and she’s a very real person.
Everyone knows what a great performer Garth Brooks is and we were all excited when the announcement was made about his arrival at Wynn Las Vegas. It was even more exciting when we heard the tickets would go on sale for $125. Well, it didn’t take long for that to change, did it? Cost of a single ticket with taxes and service fees suddenly became $258. If your date takes you to see this wonderful show, you know it cost more than $500 for the two of you.
Las Vegas hotels are constantly receiving awards, which of course they should. The latest is the Green Key Global Eco-rating program. Mandalay Bay is one of only six US resorts to receive a Five Key rating. They have achieved leadership in environmental responsibility. ARIA and Vdara at CityCenter are the other MGM Resorts properties to have received this recognition.
Vdara is introducing Stacation Packages for Las Vegas locals. Starting nightly rates are $263.00 midweek and $213.00 on weekends. Contact Vdara for more information on these packages.
Everyone was saddened with the news that Breck Wall, legendary producer and comedian in Las Vegas, passed away. Breck was 75 and has been a long time institution in Las Vegas. Breck and I didn’t always see eye-to-eye on everything but he was always fun. This is the end of an era in Vegas especially when you think about his show Bottoms Up which had an almost fifty year run. Breck was a daring comedian, producer, and director. You couldn’t keep the man down . Every time his show closed it would open at a new Strip location. He’ll be missed by this community of entertainers and I hope to be part of the effort to raise money for Breck’s Las Vegas Walk of Stars. To all of Breck’s fans, stay tuned to this column if you want to contribute to this effort for a one of a kind Las Vegas personality.
Besides missing Diana Ross at the Colosseum, which was devastating for me, my trip to Miami had to be postponed, all due to a small health issue. Fortunately I’m on the mend and plan to fly out on Nov 28th or 29th.
Miami is waiting for Monti Rock III, the return of the prodigal son. Recording to me is one of the greatest risks and one of the greatest career moves I’ve done in years. To all the supporters of Monti Rock, stay tuned. Bigger and more exciting things are in the works.
The Rev Monti wishes you all a great upcoming Thanksgiving weekend.
MONTI-LICIOUS NOV 12, 2010
Yours truly, Monti Rock III, Disco Tex without the Sex-O-Lettes, will be embarking on the greatest crusade to re-ignite my recording career. My team is all in place, a recording deal of monumental expectations, produced by Platinum Rock with a cast of thousands. I’m leaving for Miami Beach to spend six or seven days recording this new Latin Dance Ranchero. Going back to my people…. J-Lo watch out!
As a columnist this week has been kind of what I call inspired and amused even though I sometimes wonder where all the so-called news comes from.
Case in point…. I went to Hamm Hall at UNLV to see the Broadway Tenors. I was personally invited by Brent Barrett who many remember as the outstanding lead in Phantom at the Venetian for more than two years. The Broadway Tenors was filled with fabulous singers who incorporate theater in their production. It was marvelous and I have to support such talent and creation. Thank you Brent for understanding my brand.
Before leaving for Miami, this week is my Diana Ross week. Diana and Monti Rock III go back a long time. I’ve loved her for many years. Both she and Mary Wilson would frequent my studio in New York and in Hollywood Diana was always a most gracious lady. She’s iconic, delicious and an entertainer of monumental status.
We were sad to hear Aretha Franklin has been ill and was hospitalized with breathing problems. We all send the Queen of Soul our get well wishes.
Of course there’s a lot of talk about Mariah Carey’s pregnancy. Have you seen her on the talk show circuit lately—she is VERY pregnant.
I received an e-mail from the producers of Menopause the Musical which has had a long run at the Luxor. I hate to be redundant (well, not really), but Paige O’Hara is really the star of the show. Again, she’s almost over-qualified for this production with her Broadway and recording history. Susan Anton will come in and again the marquee will change. Rumor….. just rumor, has it that the show may move to the Mirage. Remember, just a rumor.
On the Michael Jackson Cirque show there is only one question at this point in time which is, “Do we really need another Cirque in Las Vegas?” What we need is show with a lot of Michael and minimum of Cirque. We hope they don;t create a show that will need revisions ala Believe. Here’s hoping that after touring for at least a year, the show that opens at Mandalay Bay in Dec, 2011, will do justice to Michael.
A certain property, one of the biggest in Las Vegas, is having financial problems. That can’t be a surprise in this economic environment, but what do I know? I’m just a columnist.
In this Blog I wanted to talk about everyone coming out of the closet when I’m about to go back into my closet. As a gay icon and legend in the early 1960′s, when I was openly gay in Hollywood, I felt I was a trail blazer. The gays didn’t like me because I was over the top wearing long hair and beads in full make up. Being one of the top ten hair dressers in the world by the age of 22, gay was romantic. I was somewhat taken back recently when I saw Ricky Martin’s interview. Everyone knew he was gay. What’s the big deal here? A father of twins, a new book and album. I find it all kind of deja vu.
On the subject of gay-ness…. Ellen Degeneres’ companion Portia de Rossi discussed her battle with eating disorders and how she reached the weight of 98 pounds before finding the road to recovery. It may have been too much information, darling. I think sometimes certain things should be kept at home. Maybe behind closed doors, but that’s just my take.
Why is it the fastest way to get press is if we get busted? My wonderful friend David Cassidy recently was charged with a DUI in Florida. And this affects me and you how?
Black Gold: The Lost Archives of Jimmy Hendrix by author Steven Roby is a must-read. Mr. Roby has been involved six Hendrix bios and has written articles and reviews for Guitar World, Goldmine, and Univibes. For more information on Mr Roby, go to www.steveroby.com
While in Miami I have a film crew following me around to film the life and times of Monti Rock III. These comebacks are killing Mr. Rock. Trying to finish my autobiography which so far has taken ten writers. Now it’s to the point where I don’t know what’s myth, what isn’t. I have lived a full and blessed life.
Being a successful columnist, an actor, an entertainer, a bon vivant man around town takes a lot of work. An then there is Rev Monti who performs his “Million Dollar Weddings”.
MONTI-LICIOUS NOV 3, 2010
Oh…the political arena finished, don’t we hope! There will surely be a slow down in the economy now since President Obama, Sarah Palin and many others won’t be traveling all around the country every day. Nevada Senator Reid is back and Jerry Brown became the new governor of California. I liked Brown when he was running around with all the rock ‘n roll stars. There must be a reason he is referred to as a Moon Beam. The change in the political game is that people are not happy with the Obama administration. Change is always good.
At the Luxor, Menopause the Musical is going through some big changes. For weeks the rumors have been rampant that the cast will be replaced. The show continues to do incredible business, especially for a show that’s been around for this length of time.The Rev Monti is available to perform his “Million Dollar Weddings”. You van book him at: revmonti@yahoo.com
MONTI-LICIOUS 10, 28, 2010
Halloween is upon us so Happy Halloween to all! Many celebrations and many parties in Las Vegas but the Beaux Arts Ball, which is celebrating their 10th year, benefits AIDS, and is one of the best tickets in town.More public artist-manager splits! Now it;s Terry Fator and former manager John McEntee. They have reportedly settled their lawsuits. Fator fired John Raymond, replaced him with McEntee and then replaced McEntee with his brother Jep Fator. Who’s next?
The political scene has been filled with a lot of mud slinging which is bad enough but when you add Joy Behar from The View it really becomes too much. On the air Joy referred to Sharron Angle as a bitch. Angle is a Republican running for the Senate in Nevada, and she HAS made some questionable political commercials. The next day Angle sent flowers and a thank you card to Joy saying she had raised an additional $150 thousand dollars following Joy’s comments. Joy may have her own night time show but she should remember what happened to Rosie O’Donnell. Could it be that Joy’s words will send her down the same path? Maybe Joy has become a little too big for her britches. Listen Joy, you’re no longer a joy…. you’ve become a ” Killjoy”!For a wedding to remember always, call the Reverend Monti to perform the ceremony.
MONTI-LICIOUS OCT 21, 2010
Last Saturday I went to revisit Jubilee at Bally’s. The spectacular Don Arden production of Razzle Dazzle, show girls, dancers, singers, specialty acts and even the sinking of the Titanic. This show is truly vintage Vegas. The show takes us back in time before there was Cirque and before all the electronics. Las Vegas was known for topless show girls, head dresses, sequins and feathers. I’m amazed that this show continues to hold up and provide the fabulous entertainment that helped create Las Vegas. Los Huincas Gauchos is a specialty act that his been voted number one in that category for several years. The show also features music from the 1940′s – Fred Astaire style. I continue to be amazed at how they can do two shows a night. One covered and one not covered, if you know what I mean. This show is a must see and I will continue to recommend it to all, including Las Vegas visitors and readers of the Blog.
Last week the Liberace Museum closed. Liberace was one of the great
entertainers of our time and opened the Museum years before his death. His wonderful car collection, his costumes and much of his bling were on display. Many of the items were recently sold at auction. In my opinion, and keeping in mind time does not stand still, the location of the Museum was in question. You know the old phrase…. location, location, location. Maybe Wayne Newton should buy the Liberace collection and include it in his version of Graceland…. Shanandoah, which may be opening very soon. Just a thought, Wayne.
According to a recent article in the Review Journal, many of Wayne’s neighbors are considering the possibility of opening their own luxury homes to the public. Mayby I’ll do a small thing at my apartment with my gold records and awards. I could charge $10…. that’s an idea!
There’s been a lot of back and forth about Chip Lightman and Donny and Marie Osmond who recently fired him. I always say this type of forum should be in court, not for a columnist to write about. Donny and Marie have a well oiled show and recently signed a new three year contract with the Flamingo so they’re not hurting.
On Sunday October 24 the 21st Annual Joe Williams Scholarship Fund Concert will be held at the Rio Suites, thanks to the generosity of Mr. Darin Feinstein. The event will run from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Domenick Allen (guitarist from Foreigner), Rick Gaugno (Frankie Valli from Jersey Boys) and well known musician and singer Bill Fayne are only a few of the headliners for this event. It should be a great show and Joe Williams himself would be proud. For additional details call 321-5635 or 204-5992.
Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show at the Sahara has closed. Dick Feeney must be jumping for joy. In this economic time how happy we are to be doing well.
Florist to the stars, David Filter at English Gardens is a fourth generation florist in a family business that has a century of experience from 1910 in Wheeling, West Virginia to the present in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company offers a wide range of products from fresh flowers, plants gourmet fruit and spa baskets, interior plantscape , and convention services. They have become popular with celebrities including Celine Dion, Elton John, Barry Manilow, Steve and Eydie.,and the late Robert Goulet, to name a few. They also do extensive charity work in theLas Vegas area. The people of Las Vegas voted David and his English Garden a
“Best of LaVegas 2009″.
Please check website www.englishgardenflorist.com or email dave@englishgardenflorist.com. phone 702-740-4770 or fax 702-740-2474.
Remember, Rev Monti is available to perform his “Million Dolllar a Weddings”
MONTI-LICIOUS OCT 10, 2010
What a delightful week end it was when the very Reverend Monti Rock III was flown first class to Palm Springs to officiate the wedding of Debra Teolis and Robert Swan on 10/10/10. This was a four-day festival of lunches, pool parties, meet and greet, and of course, shopping. Deb, as we call her, spared no expense flying friends in from Ohio and Michigan. On the first night family and friends were all treated to a dinner party at Torme’s, which is owned by the daughter of famed singer Mel Torme. The jazz and music inspired restaurant has become a popular place for all of Palm Springs society.
For the ceremony the bride wore vintage gold and the groom wore an Armani suit. The guests definitely had that Palm Springs look. Everyone was delighted to see this high-powered couple tie the knot. The flowers for the ceremony were incredible while the photography was provided by Ed Foster and I had a small film crew to video the affair.
On Monday there was a farewell brunch at Spencer’s where the bride and groom gave everyone a beautiful piece of crystal as a remembrance of the occasion. At the same time the guests were all encouraged to write a brief note to the lovely couple about the wedding. Guests were shuttled by bus, limousines and taxis. Pictures of Debra and Robert will be posted in What’s On for all to enjoy.
While in Palm Springs my guest was the lovely Jeanne Baer, a long time resident of Palm Springs, who was kind enough to guide my tour of Palm Dessert and share her shopping insights. It was interesting listening to the stories of the late Sonny Bono when he was mayor of Palm Springs and to know that now his widow is currently seeking that office. My friend Douglas Galloway offered me one of his three bedroom homes to enjoy whenever I’m in the area. What a delight!
Next time a wedding is booked in the Las Vegas area call the very Reverend Monti Rock III for an exceptional event.
Las Vegas tennis icons, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, were joined by many celebrities as well as Kirk Kerkorian at this year’s Grand Slam event. Andre explained how Mr Kerkorian helped the Agassi family after the terrible fire at the MGM in the1990′s.
What’s happening with Donny & Marie Osmond and Chip Lightman? What’s the disagreement? My sources tell me Donny and Marie’s contract with Lightman reportedly had expired and they want out. These things should never go public.
Paige O’Hara has arrived back home in Las Vegas after her two week vacation and Disney commitments were concluded in London. She’ll be returning to Menopause the Musical while the voice of Belle continues as Beauty and the Beast has been released in Blue-Ray.
The political arena is getting hot and sweaty. He said… she said… they said… who gives a damn?
If you’re one of those folks always talking about bringing back the big band sound here’s your chance. Frank Sinatra, Jr. will be performing with his big big band at the Orleans on October 19 in Sinatra Sings Sinatra. I can hear the swoons now.
This is some of the best news I’ve read in a long, long time. Pet-Stay Las Vegas has been created by Caesars Palace, Rio All Suites Hotel & Casino and the Imperial Palace. Special amenities for dogs weighing 50 pounds or less are being provided for those who simply don’t want to leave their best friend at home when visiting Las Vegas. Pet-Stay Las Vegas has taken into account all the necessities for fido. It’s all provided for a very nominal up-grade fee. I told you it was good news!
A brief address about gay bashing. As a gay gentleman I was never one to be bullied. Maybe because in my youth being gay was very secretive and very quiet. We didn’t “out” each other. When I began on television in the early 1960′s everyone knew I was gay. My anthem, Get Dancin’ was a gay record… I Want To Dance With You! We gays have to stick together and form an alliance to have tolerance. It’s the Internet, Facebook and all the stuff that plays into bashing. We have to have tolerance. When it comes to bashing, there but for the grace of God go I, Monti Rock III, a gay icon.
MONTI-LICIOUS OCT 1, 2010
The world lost two iconic legends over the last two weeks. I have fond memories of both of these gentlemen. Eddie Fisher and Tony Curtis were both friends of yours truly. Eddie and Monti Rock go back a long, long way.. from New York City to Beverly Hills. We shared some common ground. I crossed paths with Eddie when we were both being treated by Dr. Max Jacobson who had also treated President Kennedy. When I moved to Hollywood Eddie invited me to his home where he tried to introduce me to all the “right” crowd which turned out to be the wrong crowd in those days. Of course everyone remembers the scandal of Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor. Basically Liz was in mourning over the recent loss of her husband, Mike Todd. Eddie Fisher was a victim of what an intimate scandalous behavior will do for anyone. He later married one of my favorite ladies, Connie Stevens. Eddie was one of the most popular crooners of his day, Among his hits were Wish You Were Here, , Tell Me Why, Anytime, and Oh My Pa-Pa. We’re going to miss Eddie who passed away in San Francisco following complications of hip surgery.world My condolences to his children and his family.
The legendary star Bernie Schwartz was from the Bronx, as is Monti Rock III. Bernie, aka Tony Curtis, was ahandsome Hollywood star who made a lot of B-pictures before the major roles started coming his way. He proved himself as an actor in such films as Spartacus, The Boston Strangler, Sweet Smell of Success, and The Defiant Ones. His co-stars ranged from Marilyn Monroe to Janet Leigh, whom he eventually married. and Siney Poitier, Lawrence Olivier, Cary Grant and Jack Lemmon He survived marriage, divorce, scandal and all the rest inHollywood. One of his children is actress Jamie Lee Curtis. After Tony became a Las Vegas resident we had moments to reflect on our earlier Hollywood days and he was always most gracious and fun. Tony’s creative side included his love of art and painting and if you were fortunate enough to have purchased some of his earlier works you might be surprised to find they have doubled in value. We’re going to miss you Tony and we’re grateful you enjoyed such a good life. My sympathy goes out to his wife, Jill, and all his children.MONTI-LICIOUS SEPT 29, 2010
The news this week started off with the opening of a new show, Nunsense, at the Hilton. The show had been given good reviews in New York. Most of the media was in attendance along with Las Vegas favorite Clint Holmes and the Review Journal’s Norm Clark.
The Hilton continues searching for a fit, a resident star, since Barry Manilow and Cheap Trick left. I told Rick White, Hilton’s VP of Entertainment, I would be available for Disco Ball or maybe my latest show, but he took a pass. After getting a call from Bob Anderson who was in North Carolina, I remembered just how great an impressionist Bob is and thought he would be the perfect fit and should return to Las Vegas. Bob has a lot of local fans and they would love for him to return.
My staff and I went to the Monte Carlo to see Frank Caliendo who has a unique style. With a band and Frank’s style it was a well oiled show. He’s a different kind of entertainer and very unassuming. I like that. He’s sort of every man’s comic and impressionist. His takes on Charales Barklay and Robin Williams are hysterical and he’s right on the mark with Presidents Bush, Clinton, and a host of others.
Zowie Bowie has returned to Red Rock where they found a big following. As a couple they went their separate ways this year but as show business goes, they’re like the current Barbie dolls. Sometime love in show business is just too much.
Tuesday night was the 11th Anniversary of Anita Mann’s Fantasy at the Luxor. I was there to see the updated version and to see the new star of the show ,Lorena Peril , who has a voice like Christina Aguillera. This girl is great and should go far. The show has the magical Anita Mann touch, visually stunning, great choroegraphy and cast. It is no wonder it is still strong after 11 years. Fantasy is also doing thier part for breast cancer awareness. A portion of the proceeds from the sale their Fantasy Swimsuit Calendar in October will go to the Nevada Cancer Institute.
Felix Rappaport, President and COO at The Luxor, will be leaving that position and heading to the Mirage. Luxor’s loss is Mirage’s gain. Felix was “honored” at the Fantasy after-show party. His staff, and many others in the industry love and admire this gentleman. Good luck, my friend, on your newest venture.
David Arquette was spotted with Jeff Bleacher in town. Could they be picking up ideas for their new club in Hollywood or are they opening something in Las Vegas?
To celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished showroom at the Suncoast, Kelly Clinton showed up with crutches after having broken her foot earlier in the week. Also appearing at the opening was Cloris Leachman, who provided an impromptu but spectacular piano rendition, the Scintas and the regular bottom feeders.
Big buzz about Wicked…..As part of their tour,.this smash hit Broadway musical will be the initial entertainment at the Smith Center for Performing Arts. The show will be there from Aug 29-Oct7 2012
Rock icon Rod Stewart will be doing 8 shows at The Colosseum Nov 6-21. For more information call Ticket Master or 899-745-3000. Could a deal be in the works for him to become a resident entertainer there in the near future? Remember, Cher will close in Feb and Celine Dion will be doing only 70 shows per year when she returns in March.
Matsuri is celebrating its one year anniversary and has signed for an additional year at The Imperial Palace. This show is Japan’s most acclaimed musical production. The performers continuously show us their amazing skills and stamina.
Remember, The Rev Monti is available to perform those $Million Weddings.
