Vegas Stars: March 2012

Marty Allen

Marty Allen

90th Birthday Party

Photos by Nikki Artale

Friends and family gathered in the Louie Anderson Theatre at the Palace Station in Las Vegas to celebrate the 90th birthday of Marty Allen. Right at his side was Karon Kate Blackwell, who has been married to Marty Allen for over 28 years and she was proud and happy with the turnout to celebrate Marty’s birthday
http://www.martyallenhellodere.com/

Mayor Carolyn Goodman attended with Oscar Goodman to present the Key of the City to Marty and Oscar told Marty that the key would open up all the slot machines in the casinos. Both Carolyn and Oscar are quite humorous and they added to the party festivities.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XO55vKg02g

Louie Anderson hosted the birthday party and added additional humor on stage with Marty. Louie wanted to know if there was another cake for the people because the cake on stage was for him and Marty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQjKAmOBE40

Special birthday greetings by fellow entertainers and headliners in Las Vegas were on hand to personally acknowledge Marty for his many years in show business. Penn Jillette paid tribute to Marty as well as many other stars and entertainers in Las vegas. It was good to see the famous Burlesque Queen Tempest Storm and comedian Anthony Padilla, who is now starring in the “Young Guns of Comedy” in the Kings Room at the Rio Hotel. Anthony was the opening act for Louie Anderson for over a year before he left to go to the Rio Hotel.

Marty Allen & Penn Jillette

Tempest Storm

Anthony Padilla

Karon Kate Blackwell has been playing the straight lady in her act with Marty Allen and she is quite a singer and they are fabulous together. http://www.karonkate.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rlpbv7VNrk

A special personalized banner was signed by Marty’s many friends and given to Marty so he could always remember how much he is loved by everyone.

I remember seeing Marty Allen when he was a duo act with Steve Rossi in 1976 in Las Vegas and they were the hottest comedy act. Marty hasn’t changed a bit as far as his wild hair is concerned and his comedy routine is still funny. The combination of Karon’s music and Martys comedy is still priceless today. Nowadays they spend their time entertaining on cruise ships and at the Palace Station in Las Vegas. Make it a point to go to see their show and you will be pleasantly entertained.

Bethany Owen

Bethany Owen

“One Voice”

Bethany Owen is known as the “Woman of 1,001 Voices” and is the “Best Female Voice Impressionist” with her dead on impressions that she has mastered over the years. She brings her one woman show to the Kings Room at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas Tuesday through Sunday at 2:30 pm. Bethany’s show is 90 minutes and she introduces the voices of Shania Twain, Marilyn Monroe, Cher, Minnie Pearl and Madonna, to name a few, and ends the show with a powerful rendition of Judy Garland. Bethany Owen has a beautiful and powerful voice. http://www.bethanyowen.net/

as Shania Twain

Her comedy and voice impressions are most welcome by the audience who gives her a standing ovation everyday at the end of her show. The audience participation is priceless, especially when she finds her “Daddy” during the Marilyn Monroe skit and her Diana Ross impression.

Bethany Owen is so perfect as Joan Rivers and I loved her look and gestures of Joan Rivers on the stage.

as Joan Rivers

Another outrageous impression was that of Madonna in her cone shaped bra. All the costume and wig changes are done on the stage, as the lights dim and each act blends into the next one without Bethany leaving the stage. The set decorations consist of her wigs, costumes and jewelry, all at her finger tips, and she changes within seconds before our very eyes. It is very eye catching and fascinating to see the instant changes.

as Madonna

“One Voice” is a high energy show that brings over 50 characters to life on stage every day. Jim Whirlow is the Director and Producer of the show and he also manages his wife’s career. Jim just announced that Bethany Owen is the voice of Audrey Hepburn in the new IGT “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” gaming slot machine and you will find the machine in casino floor.

Tickets costs: General: $39.50 (plus tax) VIP: $59.50 (plus tax)

Rio ticket booth: 702 733-8229

Doors open at 2:00 pm

http://www.kingsroomlv.com/

Shirley Jones

Shirley Jones

Photos by Nikki Artale

Oscar Night Las Vegas held a weekend celebration for the 84th Academy Awards at the Palms Hotel Casino. It started with a Red Carpet Runway Show by Saks Fifth Avenue at the Fashion Show Mall, a Pre-Oscar Night Celebration Welcome Reception for Shirley Jones, the recipient of Variety Gold Heart Award, an Oscar Night Red Carpet, Academy Award Viewing Party, and the Playboy Club after party. All proceeds benefited Variety, The Children’s Charity of Southern Nevada that provides services for special needs children. http://www.varietysn.org/

Academy Award winner Shirley Jones was honored by Variety with the Gold Heart Award for her many years of a lifetime commitment to charitable and humanitarian causes. A reception was held in the Penthouse a Palms Place, where she was presented with the award by Variety Tent 39 President and Chief Barker Kari Ayers. Shirley also received a Proclamation from the office of the Mayor, the Honorable Carolyn G. Goodman which proudly proclaimed February 26, 2012 as Shirley Jones Day. It recognized her for her Academy Award, distinguished career, and life-long commitment to charitable and humanitarian causes. http://www.varietysn.org/

Marty Ingels & Shirley Jones

It was a small and intimate group of people who got to spend quality time with Shirley and her wonderful husband Marty. He was so funny and kept us laughing all night. Shirley Jones was so gracious and everyone loved the time she shared with the attendees, especially as we all sat and watched a video that highlighted her 50 year career. Shirley Jones is a beautiful, elegant lady inside and out and it was an honor to meet her and talk to her.

Shirley Jones, Nikki Artale & Marty Ingels

Video 053 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PvBPooXsNM

Video 054 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRnI-9wFPvY

Video 057 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWKme33yneM

Clinton Ford Billups Jr. Executive Producer put together a splendid event which was very much appreciated by all. His 30 years experience in Broadcasting, marketing, TV production and casino entertainment was very evident in his “Oscar Night America” http://www.onalv.org/

Hal Linden & Clinton Ford Billups Jr.

Dr. John Alexander

Comedian Kevin Burke hosted the Celebrity Theatre Viewing Party for the live telecast of the 84th Academy Awards at Oscar Night Las Vegas. Kevin Burke currently stars in two Las Vegas Shows, “Defending the Caveman” at Harrah’s and in “Fitz of Laughter” at Fitzgerald’s Casino in Downtown Las Vegas. I have seen both of his shows several times and his is just brilliant, funny and loveable. You must see both of his shows.

I have to say at this time that I have watched the Academy Awards religiously my entire life and this was the first time I saw it live on a big movie screen and it was so exciting to be in the Brendan Theater watching the awards. I must go every year now to the Oscar Night and enjoy sitting back with my popcorn, soda and candy. What a night. After the awards we went to the Oscar Night after Party at the Playboy Club. This was the best Academy Award Night event I ever attended and I look forward to next year’s event.

Celebrity Impersonator Convention

Celebrity Impersonator Convention

Photos by Nikki Artale

The Reel Awards 21st Annual event was held at the Golden Nugget on February 19-22, 2012 and tribute artists from all over the world gathered for over four days of fun. Co-founders and producers, Janna Joos and Alana Joos once again did a fabulous job putting the impersonators convention together.

Dee Dee Hanson, Janna Joos & Alana Joos

http://www.celebrityimpersonatorconventions.com/

Talent showcases were held for the tribute artists and the look-alikes along with the award presentations. The top three performances were selected to open the Country Superstars Show at the Golden Nugget on February 21st. One of the winners was Dave La Fame, as Tom Jones. Dave comes to us from Canada and he was great with his singing and his sexy Tom Jones gyrations. http://www.thisistomjones.com/

Dave La Fame

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsuEhNCqZBU

Many well deserved awards were given to the best tribute artists and look-alikes in the business.

Gene Greytak Most Professional Impersonator:Sherie Rae Parker, as Bette Midler

Rising Star: Rob Anderson as Criss Angel.

Impersonator you love to work with was Richard Hampton as Kenny Rogers.

Fans gathered on Freemont Street for the Red Carpet and fans were excited to meet and take photos with the look-alikes. Dee Dee Hanson, as Joan Rivers, hosted the Red Carpet event, interviewed all the talent and did a great hosting job. The tribute artists are very talented and many are sought out to do corporate shows and private parties. Getting a lot of attention was the fabulous looking Kiss Band. http://www.lasvegaskiss.com/

Paul Shire showed his love and affection with a kiss, to his wife Janet Valentine, a Marilyn Monroe Impersonator. http://www.tributetomarilyn.com/

Paul Shire & Janet Valentine

Also walking the red carpet was Bethany Owen, who has a one woman show “The Voice”, in the Kings Room at the Rio Hotel. Her impressions of many famous women get her standing ovations everyday in her show.