I'm not going to tell you just how old Freddie is, but when he was born salt had just been discovered in India. How old is that? That's so old that Columbus was still trying to find the Americas. Enough of that. I could go on and on, but I'll quit while I'm ahead.

The Bootlegger is where Bell hangs his hat every Friday and Saturday night as he hosts the 10 p.m. till 2 a.m. gig, where entertainers from all over gather,( along with just plain old friends) and do a few minutes on the microphone. It's a great gig. The late Sonny King, who was a friend to all of us, originated the session about seven years ago (give or take a year or two). Freddie has been the perfect replacement.

Just being an emcee is not what the host does at the Bootlegger. No, gang, he entertains too. Bell, for those uninformed readers, has been working on the Las Vegas Strip for nearly 50 years. He worked all the big lounges from the Sahara to the Tropicana. One of his many claims to fame was and is that he recorded "Hound Dog" first and used it every night in his act at the Sands Hotel. A young singer used to drop in after his show at the Old Frontier and, one night asked Freddie if he could record it. Bell, of course, agreed and the rest is history. That recording became a huge hit for the man known as The King of Rock'n Roll, Elvis. Just a little trivia.

Anyhow, it was like old home week at the Bootlegger. Nancy and I were lucky to get a table, believe me. We were joined by show producer Marvin Lashever and his lady, Linda. The list of those who were in the audience or performed reads like a who's-who of Las Vegas: Producer Maynard Sloate, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt and husband Dennis Bono, attorney Mark Risman, Sahara Entertainment Director Ron Garrett, Kenny Kerr, Peter Anthony, Tony Sacca, Babe Pier, magician Jason Andrews, Linda November and Artie Schroeck, and last but not least attorney Angela Bell (Freddie's ex-wife) and her family. His good buddy, and one heck of a friend, Carme, was cruising the high seas, but sent a telegram congratulating Bell for making it to yet another birthday.

If you want to see some great entertainment, The Bootlegger has something going just about every night of the week. But, Friday and Saturday belongs to Bell and his friends. And, gang, that spells ENTERTAINMENT like it used to be in our little Village! Do yourself a favor (if you haven't already been there) and drive out on the old Las Vegas Blvd., to the Bootlegger and take in the Freddie Bell show at 10 p.m.

The Annual CAST, Inc., Gala was held Monday evening at the Sahara Hotel with Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers on hand to receive the first Louis Prima Award, given for outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry. Lena Prima, daughter of the great entertainer, presented the award.  And, if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Medley must have been complimented that night as impersonators Gene Sironen and Doug Masters entertained as the Righteous Brothers at the gala. The guys performed "Little Latin Lupe Lu," "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," "Unchained Melody" and "Rock and Roll Heaven." The two impersonators have been appearing as the Righteous Brothers in "Legends in Concert" at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino since 1994. The duo will appear again for a very special one-night performance this Monday (Sept. 18th ) at the I.P.

There was and is always a lot going on in our little corner of the world - every day of the week. First off the bat we have the "Las Vegas Tenors," who I refer to as the "Four Tenors," coming into the Suncoast Showroom every Monday evening beginning Sept. 11th and going through Oct. 2nd. Then we have Bill Medley being honored on the same evening by the The CAST, and of course we have the remembrance of that day not too long ago that shook the world.

"The LV Tenors" will need our total support during its four performances at the Suncoast, so be sure to call and order your tickets ASAP. The new act at the Suncoast Showroom will have a live band and special musical guests stopping by each Monday. Bill Fayne, who is Clint Holmes' musical conductor at Harrah's on the Strip, will not be at the first two Monday shows in person (but will be seen via a special screen presentation). The show will kick off at 7:30 pm. with tickets priced from $19.95 plus tax. If you've been reading my column for any length of time then you know what I think of Mark Giovi, Bobby Black, Teddy Davy and Bill. They are without question the best I've seen in Las Vegas in the 41 years I've lived here. And, gang, that covers a lot of acts! And, if you've sorta been toying with the idea of spending a few bucks to see a show and weren't sure of what to see, then there's no more wondering. You have to trust this old writer one more time. Go see the Las Vegas Tenors at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino. Call 636-7075 for tickets.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: On Monday, Sept. 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Sahara Hotel & Casino, Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers, will be honored by The CAST, Inc. at a gala dinner. Bill will receive the first Louie Prima Award, which represents outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry. The CAST is comprised of entertainers, musicians and non-entertainers dedicated to supporting the Las Vegas community and entertainers from the past and present who need a helping hand. It's truly one of the best such organization I've had the privilege of being an honorary member of (media) and will continue to support 100 percent. Righteous Brothers' impersonators, Gene SironenL and Doug Masters, will entertain with dance music provided by the 10-piece Benny Bennet Orchestra. Tickets are priced at $59.95 and include a wonderful dinner, etc. For tickets call (702) 737-2515.

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE FOUR QUEENS  August 25, 2006

The Four Queens Hotel / Casino in downtown Las Vegas at one time had the best lounge entertainment in Las Vegas. And that was not too long ago either. I can remember watching Frank Sinatra, Jr., cram his orchestra on the stage meant for about six musicians. One couldn't get near the room for all the people jammed into the area to see and hear Junior. The Four Lads and the Four Aces were regulars, and Jimmie Rodgers began a comeback in the lounge following his recovery from a near-fatal accident. And the Jazz sessions were the best ever with stars of the Jazz world appearing every week.

The Four Queens was the place to go, have a beer or two, play the slots and see some great entertainment. Entertainment still exists but it is sorta secluded to a second floor convention area called The Royal Pavilion. We, along with a cadre of media types, plus some of the great entertainers who helped to make this town what it is today, were invited to attend a special show featuring "Bobby Ruffin's Tribute to 'The Drifters'" and comic genius Pete Barbutti.

Barbutti is without question the best comic story teller in the business today. He can get you wrapped up into one of his comical farces and, before you know it, you're actually believing him. His routines are classics today as they were 10 or 20 years ago. Pete was a favorite of Johnny Carson, who had him on "The Tonight Show" more than 90 times - a record, I do believe. It takes a fellow like Pete to bring out the guys and gals from the past and present: Patricia Welch (a beautiful singer who works with Wayne Newton), Freddie Bell (who headlines every Friday and Saturday at The Bootlegger), Frankie Randall (who has assembled a show call the 'Four Italians' in Palm Springs), Melinda Read (television personality in Palm Springs), Sweet Louie and Sonny Charles ( The Checkmates who perform at the Sahara), Linda November and Artie Schroeck (he just finished arrangements for Frankie Valli in New York), Poupee Boccaccio (dancer, actress and artist), Tony Sacca (television personality), Grant Griffin (producer, singer and actor), Bill Acosta (who will be at the Suncoast Oct 13-15) and good buddy Nelson Sardelli (who continues to wow them in Europe) who was recovering from a severe burn injury to his leg. That was just a smattering of who all was there.

And Pete had them rolling in the aisles. Then just as he was wrapping up, one after another of those in the audience got on stage and began jamming. It was a wonderful evening of great comradeship. One of those rare nights that used to occur all the time in our little village - when the stars would hang out at a favorite lounge (Sinatra Senior used to hang out at the old Silver Slipper or the Sahara Lounges) and even sit in for a song or two. They just don't seem to happen that much anymore. Bell and his Friday and Saturday night gig at the Bootlegger is the closest thing to the old days - working entertainers from the Strip drop by and perform all the time and even some of the biggies have been known to come by for a quick "hello" and a song or two. I think you would enjoy Bell and his friends, which gets underway around 10 p.m.

Showtimes at the Four Queens are 8 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, with a $21.00 ticket price, plus fees. You honestly will enjoy this show. Both performers are well worth the price!

The wonderful Genevieve, who was nominated for "Best Jazz Performer" during the Black Music Awards last weekend, won "Best Jazz Vocalist - Female." This is a gal who earned the recognition by doing it the hard way - she worked her butt off and is one of the best. The girl singer will be at Josette's Bistro (on West Flamingo) tonight (Friday) from 7 p.m. and then at the University Patio Bar & Grill on Sept. 1st. If you want to hear some great jazz vocalizing, as well as contemporary music plus some Broadway hits, then drop by and say "Hello" to my friend. You'll be glad you did.

Now to the show itself. My only complaint is that the stage, designed originally for a magic show, is too monstrous for any act and needs to be trimmed down a wee bit. Frankie Scinta agreed and said that was being addressed. The opening number is "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." That sets the show in the right direction - Upward, which then leads the group into "Let's Get Started" followed by "Dance to theMusic." After a few greeting words from Frankie and brother, Joe, Frankie does his standard "spoon" performance (Joe always pretends he thinks it's not needed), followed by his banjo expertise. Sister Chrissi takes center stage and with a voice created by the Man above sings a beautiful "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Joe and Frankie do a few spoofs, fool around with a couple of songs and conclude this part of the show with Joe doing a great impression of Mick Jagger with "Get Off Of My Cloud" and "Start Me Up."

Both Joe and Frankie and of course the adopted brother on drums, Pete O'Donnell, keep the show moving with various impromptu jokes and impressions, which leads them into their tribute section of the show. The tributes, where all four perform, includes The Beatles with Chrissi doing a fabulous rendition of "My Life," followed by Frankie as Stevie Wonder. There are tributes to Louie Armstrong, Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.

Chrissi returns to the stage, dressed to the nines in a beautiful gown, and performs "Can't Live Without You" followed by Journey's "Separate Ways." One of the highlights has always been Frankie and the Grand Piano, where he pays tribute to his father Joe "Bucko" Scinta, a Buffalo, New York firefighter. Sitting in the audience (she rarely misses a performance), was Mary "Mama" Scinta," who loves it when her baby boy (Frankie) plays "Piano Man" and the theme songs from "The Godfather" and "Love Story." This almost always brings on a well deserved standing ovation. Joey gets his standing ovation too, when he does "Skeeter on my Peter." The show is nearing the end of a great 80 plus minutes. Frankie, as Ray Charles, does a rousing "America the Beautiful" with the family closing out with "I've Had The Time of my Life" from Dirty Dancing.

Another thing you should know about the show, it's always changing. So, if you saw them six months ago, you need to see them again. Tickets are priced from $32.00 plus tax and reservations can be made by calling the Sahara Box Office at (702) 737-2515.

Kelly, who has been introducing every act and cracking jokes along the way (she's great as a stand-up) then got Rita to join her along with Bobby Black (he of the Four Tenors) and Skye from the Hilton show "Menopause The Musical" in an outstanding rendition of "Midnight Train to Georgia," one of this writers personal favorites. By this time we (Nancy and I) were ready to call it a night. Then Kelly introduced Gary Marshal so we stayed for him and then left. It was another wonderful night of entertainment. You can take it in any Monday evening. The show starts at about 10 p.m., but I would strongly urge you to get there early as it fills up pretty quick.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: A couple of sad notes to pass on if you didn't read about them or hear about it already Howard Benway, (64) who was best known as "Little Lil" and who worked with Kenny Kerr in "Boy-lesque" for a number of years, passed away on June 29 following a long illness...

Bill Miller, pianist-accompanist for Frank Sinatra from 1951 to Sinatra's final performance in 1995, passed away unexpectedly while on tour with Frank Sinatra, Jr., in Montreal at the age of 91...

Bill Fanning, a onetime cast member of "Bottoms Up", is in a Veterans Home in Spokane, Washington, and is not doing too well. He would love to hear from his many friends. You can write to him at Spokane Veterans Home, 222 E. 5th Avenue, Spokane, Wa. 99202...

Speaking of Kerr, the longtime Las Vegas entertainer will be presenting a new, surprising weekend show at the newly opened Suede Nightclub on Paradise Road every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m...

Genevieve, one of this writers' personal favorites, will be singing August 4 & 5 in the Firenze Lounge at the Ritz Carlton, Lake Las Vegas from 8 pm...

Jon Lovitz, who is at The Orleans Showroom this weekend will do an Open Conversation at the Suncoast Showroom Sunday (July 30) from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and admission is free...

The television show will be shown locally on TV 25 (cable 14) July 22 at 2:00 p.m. and later on TV 21 (cable 12) at 2:00 a.m. and again on TV 25 on July 29 at 12:30 a.m.

Sonny (he became ill a few months ago) is still recovering and was unable to return to the stage he loved so much. The Friday / Saturday format was created by King a number of years ago and was very successful. What makes the nights so special is you never know who will be in the audience - stars from Hollywood, the Las Vegas Strip and various lounges are always stopping by and often get up to perform. The late Blackie Hunt was part of the act for a couple of years, until he fell ill. One of the regulars at the Bootlegger is the owner, Lorraine Hunt, who you can bet if she's in the house will sing a song or two.

For those of you who may not know exactly who Freddie Bell is, let me give you a short version of his biography. He was born in Philadelphia where he grew up and started entertaining at a very young age. Eventually he was spotted by an entertainment director at the old Sands Hotel (where the Venetian now stands) and brought to Las Vegas for a two-week gig. The act was called "Freddie Bell and the Bell Boys" and those two weeks were extended and eventually Bell moved here permanently. That was over 40 some years ago and he's been going strong ever since. Not only does he sing, but his impressions are hilarious.

Nobody will ever be able to replace Sonny King as there is only one such performer. Bell, however, will entertain you as only he can! I would strongly urge you to make reservations if you intend on going this Saturday night or any future evenings.

The costumes are absolutely out-of-sight with vibrant colors and the gals aren't too bad either - as a matter of record they dance their B-ts off! Produced by ReGu Productions this is a show that stands alone and, is not a copy of another show on the strip at the Stardust, which by the way is a fabulous show too.

The Tropicana All-Star Orchestra, under the direction of Adalberto Lara, is a tribute to Banda Gigante (a big band made famous by Benny More in the 50's) and was formed for a recording project. Incidentally, the record was nominated for a Grammy this year in the Traditional Latin Album category. It was wonderful hearing those energy driven charts and the great trumpets - which have always been a vital part of any Latin music.

Jesus Sanfiel's choreography is a driving piece of history, as the dancers portray the great shows of the Cuban casinos in the 50's and 60's. I personally remember a couple of those shows when I visited Cuba with former Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis prior to Castro. And what can one say about the lighting direction? Lighting, in this particular case, is very important as you want to see those beautiful and bright colors explode on stage. Larry Hart, who was brought in to perform his magical touch once again, had the stage and the performers lit perfectly.

All in all, this is a show one should see. Showtimes are 7 pm. nightly except Tuesday, with an additional 9:30 pm. performance on Friday and Saturday. Tickets range from $49 to $69 plus tax and fees.

Our next stop (same evening mind you) was the Golden Nugget to see "Callback's" talent showcase in the showroom where such performers as Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and other greats performed. To be honest with you there were no Sinatra or Bennett's on stage this evening. But there were some very worthwhile performers - about 34 in total. This particular showcase is put together by Minnie Madden (she's the publisher of the showbiz publication) and it's supposed to bring various entertainment buyers into the room to see talent they may be unaware of. I have no idea how many buyers showed up, but the room was pretty full when we arrived and when we left.

It would be unfair of me to pick out any particular act to write about; as we arrived just when a duo piano group was ending their act and the emcee (a Tom Jones impressionist who kept complaining about using a microphone with a cord) was preparing to introduce the next act "Fields of Gold." We stayed for nearly 90 minutes before it was time to head for Henderson. As we left the "Blues Brothers" were coming on (not the real ones gang). I wanted to see and hear Linda Angeline (who was scheduled for between 9 and 9:20 pm) but she must have been shifted to another time slot. Well, I can catch her one of these evenings in the lounge at the Imperial Palace. I understand the show continued into the early morning hours.

Good friend Melinda Read (she's the lady I often refer to as Frankie Randall's Lady Fair) was honored by Palm Springs with her very own Star in the "Walk of Stars" a few weeks ago. She's quite a lady, being a former Mrs. California and having her own television show "Talk of the Desert." She and Frankie of course are two of the many entertainers who support the efforts of the CAST. Congrats friend!...

His basic band consists of Larry Millonzi on piano, Rick Morano on sax, Benny Bennet (83 years young) on drums and Chuck Kovac on bass. But one never knows who will stop by and sit in with their instruments or voice. This particular evening Poupee Boccaccio got up and sang (she was wonderful). Genevieve Dew guested with a hot "Kansas City" and "L.O.V.E." and was followed by Grant Griffin who used that big voice of his to entertain everyone.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: As usual Steve & Eydie had the Stardust filled to the rafters during their engagement last week. You know (and I've said this previously) they just get better and better (like a fine wine) every time we get to visit with them. One of the things they do (which is rarely done by anyone) is to use the runway that circles the room. It's a time when they get to chat with each other about this and that (and we get to eavesdrop) as they walk the ramp. The film which opens the show has been very nicely revised and updated and truly sets the mood for the next 90 minutes. All I can say again is to repeat, what I've always said about these two great entertainers - You must go see them the next time they stop by the Stardust Hotel...

The CAST held its monthly luncheon at its new location, The Front Door on Paradise Road. Linda November (the lady who created easily more than 2,000 television and radio jingles) and her talented husband, arranger, conductor Artie Schroeck were responsible for entertaining the SRO crowd, and did they entertain! Without question the new location, the great food and the entertainment made this particular luncheon one of the best ever!... The above mentioned Genevieve was the entertainer for last week's mixer (Wednesday) and Thursday at the Stirling Club and as is her forte - she killed! Her "Funny Valentine" is one of the best ever and "On a Clear Day" is a topper. Some of the guests during the two nights were Rita & Caz from Harrah's, Gale Steele from the Clint Holmes Show and Avis who imitates Tina Turner, etc. Entertainment Director Kelly Clinton has really got the room working and her many friends are quite proud of the job she's doing... While on the subject of the Stirling Club many entertainers turned out to wish "The Purple Foxes" a heartfelt thank you and a bon voyage as the elite Marine Special Helicopter Squadron returns to Iraq...