San Gennaro Feast at Silverton

San Gennaro Feast at Silverton Hotel

Tony Sacca & The Saccettes

Photos by Nikki Artale

The 33rd annual San Gennaro Feast took place this week on Sept. 11-16, 2012 at the Silverton Casino Hotel and featured more than 70 food booths and 80 amusement rides. The festival president Anthony Palmisano once again brought the town another fabulous San Gennaro Feast with nightly entertainment of our local talent and the best Italian food in Little Italy, Las Vegas. www.sangennarofeast.com

Palmisano is the third generation that has promoted the San Gennaro feast here in Las Vegas and he keeps the Italian culture alive through the music, the food and the wonderful Italian entertainers that participate in the non stop music.

Italian Sausage and Peppers, Philly Cheese Steak, Stuffed Artichokes, Shrimp Scampi, Fried Calamari, Shish kabobs and Linguine and Clams to name the few food items were cooked through out the Feast and the wonderful aromas touched everyone’s heart and filled a lot of stomachs.

Tony Sacca has been a part of the San Gennaro Feast starting in 1985 and he is responsible for bringing all the great talent every night to entertain the thousands of people that attend the event. Tony is a noted singer and television producer and appears with his beautiful “Saccattes”,Chelsea Bernier, Annette Simmonds & Amanda Kaiser. www.tonysacca.com

Many dignitaries were on hand to celebrate the opening night. Mayor Carolyn Goodman is one of our most dedicated mayors and she proves it by her commitment to the Las Vegas Community. I complimented her on how beautiful she looked and she said “Life is good”. I love to hear her speak at events because she is so down to earth and has such a profound humorous side to her as she tells her stories. I am proud that she is our Mayor. http://www.carolyngoodman.com/about/default.htm

 http://youtu.be/E2wqpZG-pKg

Denise Clemente, Mayor Carolyn Goodman & Cef Josette LeBlonde

Al Lasso, Tony Sacca & Judge Joe Bonaventure

The Grand Lady for the San Gennaro Feast was Denise Clemente, a very talented young lady who entertained nightly and everyone enjoyed her performances. Denise received an award for Female singer of the Year by her peers in 2008 and 2009 and has co-hosted “Toast of the Town” show at the Suncoast Hotel Casino. Denise has a talent show “Rising Stars” and features new singing talents, and she brought Loretta Williams, one of her new talents to perform. It looks like Loretta Williams will be a star.

Denise Clemente

Loretta Williams

One of my favorite local entertainers Tony Pace flew back to Las Vegas to perform on stage, with his dead on impressions and his powerful voice and comedic skills. Tony performs across the country and we are always happy to welcome him home.

 http://youtu.be/RGE5lg-OO-A

Tony Pace

Steve Connoly, Tony Sacca & Tony Pace

www.spiritoftheking.com   
 www.tonypace.com

The cast from “Jersey Boys” came straight to the Feast after their show ended at the Paris Hotel, to entertain the crowd. They did a sing along with the audience and everyone loved them.  http://youtu.be/kh9AJMHMk9g

Cast of Jersey Boys

Go and enjoy a festival full of excitement, fun and great food.

Neil Diamond in Concert

Neil Diamond

Photos by Nikki Artale

Neil Diamond said his show is presented as an act of joyful love to all his devoted fans. He’s been grateful to have many loyal musicians and artists who have contributed their talent and love to bring happiness to people all over the world. The Las Vegas show, held on September 1, 2012 at the MGM Hotel Casino, ended a 55 city tour across the United States and in Europe. Six weeks in Ireland, two weeks in Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, Belgium and South Africa.

Las Vegas welcomed Neil Diamond with open arms and many standing ovations. Neil gave all the attendees a huge colorful flashing diamond ring and as the arena got dark the place was filled with beautiful flashing diamonds in tribute to Neil Diamond. www.neildiamond.com

The band was fabulous and many of the band members have been playing with Neil for over 30 years and consider themselves family. Ron Tutt drums, King Errisson percussion, John Fumo trumpet, Larry Klimas saxophone, Arturo Velasco trombone, Doug Rhone guitar and Alan Lindgren synthesizer played their hearts out for two hours to create an unforgettable night listening to Neil Diamond sing some of our favorite songs. Each musician was hand picked by the late Dennis St. John, drummer, who passed away two months ago, and is sadly missed.

King Errisson

I was very impressed that Neil, at 70 years old, still has a powerful voice for his age and his energy and movements are still that of a young man. I have been a fan of Neil Diamond for over 40 years and this was the first time I saw him live in concert and it was the thrill of my life to experience the two hours of magic with him. His songs, Hello Again, America and Sweet Caroline are some of my favorites. I loved the duet between Neil and Linda Press singing You Don’t Bring Me Flowers anymore. I bet that every woman in the audience wished it was her in his arms. I know that was my wish.

Julia Waters, Linda Press & Maxine Waters

A special moment came mid way through the concert when an older women walked up to the front of the stage and extended her hand to Neil and he bent down and laid on the stage to kiss her and sing to her..

I was privileged to meet with King Errisson after the show for a personal interview. King is the greatest hand percussionist in the world, playing the tambourine, shakers, bells, congas, bongos, and drums and the sidamo beats that he created. King has been playing with Neil for over 38 years, but who’s counting. www.kingerrisson.com

King Errisson is working on a new album “Jump” which will be released within the next three months and he has been commissioned to co write a book on “History of African Drums”. He will be starring in a documentary film “Sample This” which will be coming out soon.

King Errisson

On October 8, 2012 King will be going to Dubai with Giovanni for two weeks and then off to the Bahamas to spend time at the mini resort he owns “Pesto Beach Resort”.
King Errisson lives in Las Vegas with his beautiful wife Aggy and shared that this Las Vegas audience was the best, ever, ever tonight. We thank you Neil and King for once again bringing joy to us in Las Vegas and we look forward to many more years with all of you. Bruce Merrin PR represents King Errisson worldwide www.celebrityspeakersentertainment.com/about.html

Hitzville the Show

Hitzville The Show

Story & Photos by Nikki Artale

If you have always loved the music of Motown, then you must go and see Hitzville the Show at the V Theatre inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. They take the stage nightly at 5:30 pm Monday-Saturday. Jin Jin Reeves is the producer, choreographer and star of the high energy production which shows her great talent. www.hitzvilletheshow.com

Jin Jin Reeves

The cast includes three sexy female singers, a male quartet and the seven piece Hitzville band that brings you along for a Soul Train ride and journey of a fabulous Motown revue.

The best of Motown songs, “I heard it Through the Grapevine”, “Midnight Train to Georgia”, “A Natural Woman”, “Heatwave” and “My Guy”, were some of the songs that had the audience moving and clapping and ended with a standing ovation.

The show was fast paced as the performers alternated on stage between the quartet, the ladies and Jin Jin, and that kept the energy high. The costumes were colorful and there were plenty of wardrobe changes that added to the show. There was a lot of singing power in the showroom.

Taking us on a journey through time was the music of some of the best of Motown, featuring Gladys Knight, The Supremes, The Four Tops and Tina Turner.

Singer, dancer, songwriter and dancer, Jin Jin, the total package of beauty and talent has performed all over the world, including Japan, Korea, Spain and Hawaii and she now graces the stage on the Las Vegas Strip. Hitzville is a must show to see. Jin Jin did a meet and greet with her fans after the show.

Erotikos at Pussycat Dolls Lounge

Erotikos at Pussycat Dolls Lounge

Story & Photos by Nikki Artale

Pussycat Dolls Lounge in Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas was the place to be on August 9, 2012 for the sexiest party in the Planet. The party launched the introduction and celebration for the Erotikos Film Festival, to be held September 15-22, 2012 in Negril Jamaica. www.erotikosfilmfestival.com

Jamaica was brought to the Pussycat Lounge with complimentary exotic drinks and previews of the Official Selections for the Erotikos Film Festival. Hosting the party was the creator of the event Nancy Sutton Pierce and curator Michael Hawks.

Nancy Sutton Pierce

Filmmakers from all over the world will be submitting films for the first Erotikos Film Festival that will be held at Hedonism 11 Resort & Spa, inmaica. Negril, Jamaica. The films will tell stories of love, sex, passion and seduction. Nancy first got the idea of the film festival during a weekly coffee date with her husband Mark.

Erotic film previews were shown during a “Goddess Hour” at the Pussycat Dolls Lounge with hundreds in attendance. It definitely was an Erotikos Teaser”.

The next day a topless pool party was held at Venus Pool at Caesars Palace and erotic cocktails flowed and everyone enjoyed reggae music.

Erotikos Film Festival will showcase feature films, music videos and short films and the winner will win a Erotikos Film Statue and cash. A people’s choice award for the best picture will be selected by the festival guests.
Judges for the film festival are Laurie Handlers, author and intimacy coach, Dr. Ava Codell, doctorate in human sexuality, Dr. Marc Mani, plastic surgeon and Dorian Gomez, resident curator of the Erotic Museum Las Vegas. The winning films will be shown at the Erotic Museum in October 2012.

Inquiry@erotikosfilmfestival.com
 or www.castawaystravel.com

800 470-2020

Hope to see you there.

Tanyalee Davis

Tanyalee Davis

Story & Photos by: Nikki Artale

Tanyalee Davis may be small in stature but she is big as a standup comedian in her shows. Standing at 3’6” she is a bundle of endless stories that ring true for many fans. Tanyalee has performed on stages all over the world, receiving four star reviews, as she entertains her audiences. Tanyalee has headlined in shows across the US, Canada and the UK. She has a keen perception of people and that becomes part of the stories she tells on stage.

Tanyalee gets big laughs from the audience when she tells the bathroom story, which is hilarious and outrageous. She tells a lot of stories about her life and how there is sexy in everyone and sexy comes from within. Tanyalee is down to earth and a delight to talk as she meets and greets everyone after the show. I loved watching Tanyalee on stage and I encourage everyone to see her show. www.tanyaleedavis.com

The show was opened by comedian Cozy Stone who had a great sense of humor and who loves to promote up and coming comedians. Cozy says she is a “Lifetime Student of Life” and a motivational speaker, so we can learn a lot from her. Cozy always has a smile on her face and she is genuinely loving and sincere and a loyal friend.

Cozy Stone

http://lasvegas.informermg.com/2011/11/30/cozys-comedy-corner/

Appearing on the show with Tanyalee was Heath Harmison who warmed up the crowd with his humor and energy. Heath has appeared in numerous comedy clubs, festivals, and colleges and in Edinburgh Scotland at the Fringe Festival, the world’s largest performing arts festival. Heath has a new DVD that is available at all his shows “Live Funny or Die Laughing”. www.heathharmison.com

Heath is very animated as he delivers the punch lines to a very receptive audience. His energy level is extremely high and he holds everyone’s attention during his performance. Heath is very funny and everyone should see his show.

Heath Harmison

Rolan Whitt has been performing in Las Vegas for over 20 years and he has quite a resume. He not only is a standup comic, he is also a writer, hypnotist, actor, comic, karaoke DJ and others, which of course stands for his logo W.H.A.C.K.O. Roland is very natural on stage and a joy to watch. He has written for many comics, including Jay Leno of the Tonight Show and shared shows with many top notch comedians. Rolan appeared with Tanyalee, Cozy and Heath and they were all great. www.rolanwhitt.com

Rolan Whitt

This was another great night at Big Al’s Comedy Club at The Orleans that featured outstanding comics. I suggest you check out the shows featured at The Orleans.

Cozy, Rolan, Tanyalee & Heath

Erotikos Film Festival

Erotikos Film Festival

Nancy Sutton Pierce & Michael Hawks

The Erotikos Film Festival will take place September 15-22, 2012 at the Hedonism Resorts in Negril, Jamaica with over 12 countries submitting films for judging. Filmmakers will be vying for cash and prizes and showcasing their erotic feature films, short films and music videos. International filmmakers will be holding special roundtable sessions. www.erotikosfilmfestival.com


Michael Hawks, Executive Director/Curator and Nancy Sutton Pierce, Executive director/creator have put together the first Erotikos Film Festival where festival attendees will watch and judge erotic films from all over the world.

An induction ceremony event will be in October in Las Vegas at the Erotic Heritage Museum. Dorian Gomez, curator of the Erotic Heritage Museum will be one of the panel judges for the Film Festival.

For more information email mhawks@erotikosfilms.com



















































































For more information email mhawks@erotikosfilms.com









nancy@erotikosfilms.com

Las Vegas Film Fest 2012

Voula Konstantarakis
Photos by Nikki Artale

My favorite thing to do is go to the movies so you can imagine how excited and thrilled I was to attend four day of the Las Vegas Film Fest at the LVH, which is in its fifth year. On July 19, 2012 five films from the Asian-American film block, by the San Diego Asian Film Festival were shown and the most powerful one was “Afterschock” which told the story of the 1976 Great Tangshan Earthquake. “Bang Bang” was the 2011 Best First Feature film and the cast came on stage to perform after the screening.

There was an after party every night after the last film of the day was shown. Benihana at the LVH hosted Thursday’s party, Central at Caesars Palace hosted Fridays party, the Royal Resorts on Saturday night and the Tempo Lounge at the LVH held the closing night awards after party. There were red carpet and VIP parties, screenwriters, producers and filmmaker’s panels and a closing night award ceremony. www.lvfilmfest.com

July 20th opening night premiere film was “The Trouble with the Truth” starring Lea Thompson and John Shea. Later that evening Lea Thompson was presented with the 2012 Female Indie Icon Award by actor/director Adam Ash. Lea is known for her roles in many movies, some of which were Back to the Future 1, 11 and 111.

Ash Adams & Lea Thompson

Lea Thompson & Jim Hemphill, Director

Following the red carpet and screening, Lea Thompson held a press conference and everyone had the opportunity to spend time with her in the filmmakers lounge. Lea was warm and welcoming and it felt as if we were sitting in her living room talking with her. Her personality and beauty is overwhelming and she is truly a joy to be with.

Nikki Artale & Lea Thompson

Lea Thompson and her husband film director Howard Deutch have two daughters Madelyn Deutch, 21 years old and Zoey Deutch, 17 years old and are both actresses and they have performed on stage together. Lea said she loves working with her daughters. Zoe is in “Beautiful Creatures” and Madeline is in “Twister Warning”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lea_Thompson

Louis Gossett, Jr. was also presented with the 2012 Male Indie Icon Award and a special screening of the feature film “An Officer and a Gentleman” was shown to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of the movie. I saw the movie 30 years ago and it was just as exciting to see it again. A special treat was in store for everyone as the writer Douglas Stewart joined Louis Gossett on stage for a question and answer period after the screening. The film won best song and best score and a total of seven nominations. Louis said he would love to work with Richard Gere again and both said that Richard should have won the academy award for his starring role in the film.
http://youtu.be/qrcEDMwZL2w

Louis Gossett, Jr. & Douglas Stewart

A special moment to see was Lea Thompson and Louis Gossett, Jr. seated together in the theater getting ready to watch the movie.They are old friends and you can see the love and respect they have for each other.

Louis Gosset, Jr. won the best supporting actor in his Academy Award winning role as Drill Sergeant Emil Foley. Louis has appeared in hundreds of movies and Television shows, notably “Roots”, a television miniseries which got everyone’s attention. A press conference was held with Milo Kostelecky, Festival Director, and Louis shared some memories of his life in the book “An Actor and a Gentleman”. www.louisgossett.com

Milo Kostelecky & Lou Gossett, Jr.

Louis Gossett, Jr. & Nikki Artale

A Rock & Roll documentary “Louder than Love: The Grandee Ballroom Story” was told by musicians and people that lived it. This was the first film produced and directed by Tony D’Annunzio and edited by Karl Rausch. Tony made a compelling 74 minute film with photos and archival footage of the rock and roll greats of the 1920’s that played at the Grandee Ballroom. Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and The Who were some of the bands that played there. The film was released in April in Detroit and had 10 sold out screenings in Eight Cities with great reviews. www.thegrandeballroomstory.com

Karl Rausch & Tony D'Annunzio

Steven R. Monroe wrote and directed a great thriller “MoniKa” that was filmed here in Las Vegas and stars Cerina Vincent, who is a Las Vegas native. Also starring is Jason Wiles who meets MoniKa after her death and then tries to put the pieces together to avenge her death. It is suspenseful and a must see movie. http://www.facebook.com/MoniKa.TheMovie

Jason Wiles, Jeff Branson, Cerina Vincent & Steven R. Monroe

An interesting event was attending the round table discussion of the original gangsters of Las Vegas. Featured on the panel was Frank Cullotta who talked about the making of “Casino”. Cullotta has been in hiding for over 25 years but occasionally comes out to various events. I guess no one is looking for him any longer. I found him to be a very interesting man and his book “Cullotta the Life of a Chicago Criminal” is a no holds barred biography of his life of crime.

Frank Culotta