Dondino Has Finally
Come Back Home to Las Vegas
Photos by Nikki Artale
The Italian American Club on August 11, 2013 welcomed Dondino back to Las Vegas and the
audience once again fell in love with the magnificent Dondino. Vibrant and
stunning as ever, dressed in his signature tuxedo, Dondino captured the
audience. His style and humor had the audience recalling memories of why they
fell in love with him so many years ago when he first performed in Las Vegas
from 1979 to 1984. Michael Gaughan hired him to play in the Royal Inn, which
later became the Royal Americana. Onto the 4 Queens Hotel & Casino where he
headlined for 11 years as a matinee show. Another calling came in Iowa where he
opened a country club and many more years of success. In 1994 Dondino opened up
his theater in Branson and then back again to Las Vegas where he will now live
permantly. www.dondinoshow.com
Dondino’s talented band filled the room with music that
touched the hearts and souls of everyone, from the Italian ballads to the
beautiful music of Fiddler on the Roof and the powerful voice of Dondino.
Debbie Richards, Musical Director
Gary Queen
Don Johnson
Dondino was
presented with a few awards and a proclamation from the Honorable Carolyn G. Goodman,
Mayor of the City of Las Vegas. She proclaimed August 11, 2013 as Dondino Day, recognizing Dondino for
donating his time and talents for over 25 years. Governor Brian Sandoval
issued a Certificate of Recognition for Dondino’s charity work and achievements.
Ms Senior Nevada Pageant recognized
Dondino for his Outstanding Contribution to the Pagaent and Charlie Christy, the Nevada Executive
Director presented the award. Dondino started the pageant in 1986.
Charlie Christy
Assemblyman
James Healey, district 35, presented Dondino with an award for his years of
humanitarian work in the state of Nevada.
Asemblyman James Healey
Other
longtime friends and fellow entertainers were on hand to welcome Dondino. Curt Thomson, Executive Director for
Railroad Pass Casino and Gold Spike gave him his second engagement at the
Frontier Hotel and Casino.
Curt Thomson
Jonas Vece
Jonas Vece known for his vocals for
The McCoys, came to honor and support him.
Dondino and Donna Gummelt started the Read to me Foundation which donates
books to Ronald McDonalds, Head Start programs and Children’s Hospitals. Donna
writes them and Dondino does the music which are put on CD’s to go along with
the books, and the books are narrated in Spanish and English to help children
learn to read and speak English. He wants to help the children of today because
he remembers coming to America as a young boy from Italy and not speaking the
language because his family only spoke Italian in his home. He proudly tells
the heartwarming story of going to school and learning to sing the song
“America” by learning phonetically the words that took him 6 months to learn. www.readtomefoundation.org
Dondino is
officially home where he belongs and the audience let him know how they love
him with the standing ovations they gave him. His connection to the people is
charming and electric and his great humor and personality comes shining
through.
“Music is
who I am” says Dondino and his mission is to love the people, connect with the
people, entertain the people and make that one person happy. He sure made more than one person happy that
night. Butterfly kisses to you. We love you Dondino.
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