New SHADES OF SINATRA Shows!

Hiya folks,

As many of you know, in addition to freelancing as a jazz & big band singer here in Las Vegas, I also sing with well-known tribute group SHADES OF SINATRA. Ever since they closed our showroom last year (and, um, IMPLODED the entire hotel a few months ago), we don’t get as many opportunities to perform here in town as we used to. LOL But THIS month you can catch us on 2 different occasions!!!

First, on Wednesday, May 6th, SHADES OF SINATRA (Carmine Mandia, Lisa Smith, Ryan Baker, Ron Smith) will be performing at the 36th Annual San Gennaro Feast in Las Vegas. We will be doing a full 45 minutes to kick-off the evening’s entertainment! Here are all the details:

LOCATION:
4245 Grand Canyon Dr
Las Vegas, NV 89147
(West of the 215, exit Flamingo Rd. Held in the Grand Canyon Shopping center, near Sears, JCPenny’s and Kohls.)

FESTIVAL HOURS:
May 6, 2015 – Wednesday – 5-11pm (SHADES OF SINATRA performs at 7pm)
May 7, 2015 – Thursday – 5-11pm
May 8, 2015 – Friday – 5-Midnight
May 9, 2015 – Saturday – 12pm-Midnight
May 10, 2015 – Sunday – 12pm-11pm
(Fireworks at 9pm)

TICKETS:
Adults & Children = $9 (2 adults for $14)
Seniors & Military = $8
(children 54′ and under are free)

Then on Sunday, May 31st, SHADES OF SINATRA will be doing a show in the main showroom at Sam’s Town Casino on Boulder Hwy. It is a FREE show for all B Connected Members (see players club desk for details). Seats are first come, first serve, so arrive early!! Here are the details for that one:

LOCATION:
Sam’s Town Gambling Hall & Hotel
5111 Boulder Highway
Las Vegas, NV 89122

DATE/TIME:
Sunday, May 31, 2015
1:00pm Show

If you can’t make it to one of these shows, we do have another date coming up at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino, but that isn’t until July 9th…so hopefully you can come see us at one of these shows!! ;-)

As always, you can stay connected with us through our WEBSITE (www.ShadesLasVegas.com), our FACEBOOK PAGE and our TWITTER FEED.

ABOUT THE SHOW: Awarded the 2012 & 2014 Excellence in Entertainment Award for TRIBUTE SHOW OF THE YEAR, Shades of Sinatra is an original musical production celebrating the extensive music and career of the great Frank Sinatra. Featuring over 30 of Sinatra’s biggest hits, this show pays tribute to most of the signature Sinatra tunes one would expect, as well as several that may be new to casual fans. Often drawing on experiences from their own lives, its cast members celebrate the legend in their own ways; and in between songs and poignant stories, there is plenty of good-natured ribbing among the cast, creating that vintage, off-the-cuff Vegas show atmosphere associated with Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.

PRESS REVIEWS
“Lightning struck again this summer with the Sinatra-themed revue…”
Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal

“…Singing hit after hit and medleys filled with the songs you came to hear….The Man would have been proud of what these four fine entertainers have done.”
Norm Johnson, “It’s The Norm” – Las Vegas Entertainment Events

“…Each is an excellent vocalist who does justice to Sinatra’s music….a highly entertaining little show – well conceived, perceptive and intelligently assembled….”
Jerry Fink , The Las Vegas Sun

“We need to see more of this show after this four night run. The show has been selling out and I’m sure as the word spreads there will be a big demand for future shows”
Steve Tuminello, Las Vegas At Its Best

“…This is a very seasoned and very in-sync team… They clearly still enjoy working together and give the numbers all their worth. These folks can sing. If you want an hour and fifteen minutes of songs you know, sung with passion, this show will make you happy.”
Richard Lane, Vegas Chatter (in association with concierge.com)

Sammy Shore’s “FUNNY BONES” To Benefit NEVADA SPCA!

SHADES OF SINATRA (Carmine Mandia, Lisa Smith, Ryan Baker, Ron Smith) is honored to once again be performing alongside some of Las Vegas’ BEST talent at “Sammy Shore’s Funny Bones” benefiting Nevada SPCA.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2014
CELEBRITY RED-CARPET: 1:00pm
SHOWTIME: 2:00pm
Tickets: $25

Orleans Hotel & Casino Showroom
4500 West Tropicana Avenue

Also scheduled to appear: Sammy Shore, Pete Barbutti, Lance Burton, Pauly Shore, Geechy Guy & more!!!

GREAT SHOW, GREAT CAUSE!

Sammy Shore’s Funny Bones live comedy show features world-famous comedians and up-and-coming comedic talents joining together for a hilarious afternoon of laughs and entertainment. The show is hosted by Sammy Shore, an American comedy legend who founded The Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip, California and was hand-picked by Colonel Parker to be Elvis’ opening act during the Kings Famous 1969-1972 “Comeback Tour” in Las Vegas. In prior Funny Bones shows, many nationally and internationally known comedians have participated, including, Pauly Shore, Bobby Slayton, George Wallace, Louie Anderson and Hal Sparks. Philip Matthews is the show’s director.

Sammy and Suzanne Shore created Funny Bones to raise money for animal rehabilitation. The proceeds of the shows are donated to animal rescue charities to support their advanced medical care for rescued animals. The 2014 Funny Bones show will benefit Nevada SPCA’s advanced medical care fund to save and rehabilitate animals in southern Nevada in desperate need.

A special thanks to the Orleans Showroom, 3 Lions Tattoo, Hounds for Hope and The Tail Waggers Club.

You can purchase tickets by calling:
702-365-7075 / 888-365-7111

Purchase online at:
http://www.orleanscasino.com/entertain/orleans-showroom

You can also purchase tickets in person at The Orleans Box Office
Sundays -Thursdays, Noon – 8:00pm
Fridays & Saturdays, Noon – 10:00pm

ONE NIGHT ONLY! Shades of Sinatra at the NEW Inspire Theater, Downtown Las Vegas!

SHADES OF SINATRA (Carmine Mandia, Lisa Smith, Larry Liso, Ryan Baker) will perform a one-night-only Special Showcase Event at the NEW Inspire Theater Las Vegas, 107 Las Vegas Blvd, S (historic downtown) on January 28, 2014 at 8:00 pm.

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE!!

These $20 promotional tickets will only be offered through www.tixdowntown.com

ABOUT INSPIRE THEATER LAS VEGAS: A partnership of Future Restaurant Group and Downtown Project, Inspire is located at the historic intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street. Previously the site of a long-shuttered convenience store, the location now boasts a world-class complex worthy of its legendary address-including multiple drinking establishments (Wayfarer Bar, Second Floor Lounge and The Roof); an international newsstand and European-style café (Inspire News Café); and an intimate, approximately 200-capacity state-of-the-art performance venue.

Inspire is located at 107 Las Vegas Blvd S., at the intersection of LVB and Fremont, in historic Downtown Las Vegas, NV 89101.

Remember, ticket availability is extremely limited for this event, with only a few tickets available to the public.

Get YOUR tickets NOW at www.tixdowntown.com!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 8:00PM
SEE YOU THERE!

ABOUT SHADES OF SINATRA: Recently awarded the Excellence in Entertainment Award for TRIBUTE SHOW OF THE YEAR, Shades of Sinatra is an original musical production celebrating the extensive music and career of Frank Sinatra. Featuring over 30 of the legendary singer’s biggest hits, this show pays tribute to most of the signature Sinatra tunes one would expect, as well as several that may be new to casual fans. Its cast members create unique characters that celebrate him in their own ways, often drawing on experiences from their own lives; and in between songs and poignant stories, there is plenty of zany humor and good-natured ribbing among the cast, creating the vintage, off-the-cuff Vegas show atmosphere that is associated with Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.

In addition to this special event, SHADES OF SINATRA performs every Monday & Wednesday evening, 7:00pm, at the Clarion Hotel & Casino (formerly The Greek Isles). Tickets can be purchased at the box office (305 Convention Center Drive. Las Vegas , NV 89109), by calling 702-990-1524 or online at www.WolfTheaterLasVegas.com. 

NEW Time for SHADES OF SINATRA Show!

Just a quick announcement that beginning this Monday, August 6th, SHADES OF SINATRA will be moving to 9PM!!!

Same days of the week (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday nights), and same place (Clarion Hotel & Casino, main showroom)…just a new time!

Clarion Hotel & Casino
305 Convention Center Drive.
Las Vegas , NV 89109
MON, TUE, WED –  9PM
www.ShadesLasVegas.com

Get Tickets!
BOX OFFICE: 702-990-1524
www.WolfTheaterLasVegas.com

Relive the music of the legendary FRANK SINATRA with Shades of Sinatra!
This exciting musical production pays tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes as these four dynamic performers lend their world-class vocal abilities to over 30 of his biggest hits, from touching, heartfelt solos to rousing group numbers. This non-stop, high-energy show is loaded with zany humor and off-the-cuff, good-natured ribbing, as well as poignant stories about the man and his music. So come and experience all your favorite, timeless classics performed by “Shades of Sinatra” in the Wolf Theater at the Clarion Hotel & Casino, every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday night at 9:00pm!

Our LivingSocial Deal!

Check it out!!!! Our show SHADES OF SINATRA, at the Clarion Hotel & Casino, is on www.LivingSocial.com this week…General Admission ticket (with upgrade to VIP seating!!) for only $20!!!

“Come fly with us, and we’ll show you a deal from Wolf Theater that’ll really go to your head: For $20, get a general admission ticket to Shades of Sinatra, plus an upgrade to VIP preferred seating (a $53 value).

This high-energy celebration of Ol’ Blue Eyes features four world-class vocalists singing more than 30 of Sinatra’s biggest hits. Between their powerful sets of pipes, zany off-the-cuff humor, and poignant stories about the man and his music, these pro performers make it seem almost like the Chairman of the Board’s come back for one last show. The VIP section of this intimate theater is right where you’ll want to be to experience these timeless classics all over again. Let’s be Frank: With the way you look tonight, you deserve to get a kick out of these great savings. Want more?

Check out Wolf Theater on Facebook.”

Only 16 hours left to purchase this incredible deal…you’d better act FAST! :-)

Shades of Sinatra: SATURDAY Shows Added!

EXCITING NEWS!

Beginning this month, SHADES OF SINATRA (starring Carmine Mandia, Lisa Smith, Larry Liso & Ryan Baker) will be adding Saturday shows to our weekly line-up!

So we will now have shows EVERY Tuesday, Thursday AND Saturday evening at 8:00pm, at the Clarion Hotel & Casino, Wolf Theater. AND you can now access a SUMMER ‘ONLINE ONLY’ SPECIAL of 1/2 price show tickets by going directly to the theater website to purchase your tickets…here is the link: http://www.wolftheaterlasvegas.com/

SUMMERTIME SATURDAYS with the SHADES! We look forward to seeing you there…

Shades of Sinatra is an original musical production celebrating the extensive music and career of the great Frank Sinatra. Featuring over 30 of Sinatra’s biggest hits, this show pays tribute to most of the signature Sinatra tunes one would expect, as well as several that may be new to casual fans. Its cast members create unique characters that celebrate him in their own ways, often drawing on experiences from their own lives; and in between songs and poignant stories, there is plenty of zany humor and good-natured ribbing among the cast, creating the vintage, off-the-cuff Vegas show atmosphere that is associated with Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.

Life is Good!

Just wanted to take a few minutes to update my blog on everything that’s been happening lately. As always, things have been busy…which is a good thing. The Gold Coast Showroom gigs with my jazz trio continue to go well (see my calendar page HERE for list of upcoming dates) and Ron and I have been gearing up for our 2 Valentine’s Shows (one at Hit Parade at Suncoast Hotel & Casino and one at Roadhaven Resort in Apache Junction, AZ).

And speaking of Roadhaven Resort, the girls of Dangerous Curves (Margaret Menzies, Karen Michaels, Lisa Smith) just took a ROAD TRIP down there for a gig of our own last weekend. So much fun!!! We presented our most popular show “Girl Talk” for the residents there and we had a blast…not just at the show, but also traveling together! We drove down on Saturday (3 girls in a car together for 6 hours each way lends itself to LOTS of time for great talks and productive goal-setting) and we stayed at the fabulous Courtyard by Marriott at Chandler/Fashion Center (which we got for only $60 a night on Priceline!) through Monday. Very, very fun!

Clarion Hotel & Casino Poster

This past week also saw the opening of our Shades of Sinatra (Carmine Mandia, Lisa Smith, Ryan Baker, Larry Liso) show in the Wolf Theater at the Clarion Hotel & Casino, formerly the Greek Isles (well, not our “official” opening…that will happen on Feb 15th…but our first of 2 preview nights). We didn’t have a huge crowd there, partially due to the freezing-cold weather, but it was a respectable turnout of incredibly supportive friends and fans. This Tuesday we will have one more “preview” at 6:00pm, and then the following week we move to our regular schedule of EVERY Tuesday & Thursday night at 8:00pm. Here’s a brief description of the show:

This exciting new musical production pays tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes as these four dynamic performers lend their world-class vocal abilities to over 30 of his biggest hits, from touching, heartfelt solos to rousing group numbers. This non-stop, high-energy show is loaded with zany humor and off-the-cuff, good-natured ribbing, as well as poignant stories about the man and his music. So come and experience all your favorite, timeless classics performed by “Shades of Sinatra”!

Pretty cool, huh? You can visit our website at www.ShadesOfSinatra.com for more details and click HERE for a $10 off coupon toward General Admission!!

Sunday Night with “Zowie Bowie” at Green Valley Ranch Casino

A couple of Sundays ago, Ron and I headed out to Green Valley Ranch Casino, in Henderson, to catch Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor, also known as “Zowie Bowie,” perform their Vintage Vegas Big Band show in the “Ovation Showroom.”  Very fun!  Several of our good friends were in attendance as well: Carmine Mandia (of “Shades of Sinatra”), Ed Mathews (Desert Productions and producer of “Hit Parade” at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino), Justin Olsen (President of “Swing Beat Entertainment”), Mark Giovi (AMAZING tenor and Lead Singer in the late-night Vegas show, “Bite” at The Stratosphere Hotel), and Ned Mills (musical director of “Shades of Sinatra” and creator of “Lionardo: Piano Follies”).  Upon arrival, Ron and I were immediately recognized and greeted by Buddy who treated us like absolute royalty, showing us to the “reserved” tables and making sure we (along with my mom and dad) were well taken care of all evening long.  It was quite something.  Talk about “old Las Vegas style”…I loved it!  Thanks Buddy…you’re the BEST!

Ron and I hangin' with Buddy, Chris (Zowie Bowie) and Mark after the show!

As for the show, it was incredibly entertaining.  Featuring a 12-piece big band, and some of the greatest music of all time (Sinatra, Steve and Eydie, Sammy Davis Jr, Bobby Darin, etc…), Zowie Bowie’s Vintage Vegas show was a total hit with the crowd (plus, if you haven’t noticed from the photo above, Chris and Marley aren’t exactly tough to look at!  Talk about GORGEOUS…SOOOO not fair!!) :) AND not only are they talented and gorgeous, they also happen to be two of the nicest, most genuine people I know…very sweet and VERY fun!

Unfortunately, this looks like it may have been one of that last times that you (or I) will be able to catch their Big Band Show at Green Valley Ranch.  But fortunately, it’s for a very good reason.  Chris and Marley are headed to the PALMS Hotel & Casino!! Yes, that’s right!  Beginning March 6th, 2009, you’ll be able to catch “Zowie Bowie” every Friday and Saturday night in “The Lounge” at the Palms Hotel & Casino.  And although it will most likely be their Top 40 Show, rather than the Big Band show (my personal favorite), you can be assured it will be an FABULOUS evening!  CONGRATS on your move to the PALMS, Chris and Marley….you two deserve it!  We had a great time at the show, and we look forward to seeing you again soon…

To find out more about Zowie Bowie, check out their official website at www.zowiebowie.com.

Fun Night Out at Piero’s…

First of all, let me begin with a BIG apology for being SOOO behind on my blog posts!  Things have been a little crazy and somehow I got caught up on the idea that I had to do all the entries in order…so if I missed one, I couldn’t move on until I did it.  I know, dumb.  Not necessary.  So, from now on my posts will come in whatever order they will.  Please forgive me…I promise to do better from now on.  “Scout’s Honor!”  (Okay, so technically I was never a boyscout, but my brother was and I used to go to all the meetings…really!)

Dinner at Maggiano's

So moving on.  A few weeks ago we had a great night out with my parents and our friends Karen and Jim Murphy.  First we went to Maggiano’s for dinner (got my favorite gluten-free Chicken Parmesan and g/f pasta with meat sauce…mmmmm, good!) then went over to Piero’s (near the convention center) to hear Carmine Mandia (of “Shades of Sinatra”) sing and celebrate the birthdays of our friend Catherine Cobeaga and my daddy.

Very fun!  Carmine is always able to draw a nice crowd into Piero’s…he’s there every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and the place is always packed.  If you’ve never been there, I really recommend checking it out.  Great atmosphere, terrific Italian menu, fantastic wine list, and live music!

Ron Singing "After the Lovin" to Catherine

Carmine got me up a few times to sing with him and the band…I sang “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “Embraceable You,” and “Summertime” (done kinda blues/funk style), and then Carmine and I did a little Blues medley together consisting of “Route 66,” “Kansas City,” “Muddy Water” and “Stormy Monday.”

And guess what? Ron even got up to sing a few songs with the band!  Can you believe it?  One of the songs that he sang was “After the Lovin,” which he dedicated and sang directly to Catherine for her birthday.  She said it TOTALLY made her night!  He also sang “Old Man River”…truly spectacular!  But then, I may be just a little bit biased.

We had a fantastic time!  Carmine Mandia is such a great entertainer and a great host.  He always makes everyone feel so special and welcome when they come down to Piero’s.  As I said, if you haven’t been there before, or if it’s been a while since you’ve last been to Piero’s, you should go!  “Carmine and Friends” are there every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, 7:00-10:30pm.  I guarantee you’ll have a great time!

Visit the restaurant’s website at www.PierosCuisine.com to check out more about them!

You can read more about Carmine Mandia, and even watch video of him performing at www.CarmineMandiaLV.com.

Janet Rogers (mom), Me, Karen Murphy at Piero's in January

What?!? More “Chick Singers” in Town?

Veronica Valdes, Kelly Clinton, Elisa Fiorillo

Last night, Ron and I were invited by Carmine Mandia (of “Shades of Sinatra”) to the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place to see fellow performer, and friend, Kelly Clinton with her new trio, “The Chick Singers.”  We have seen Kelly perform quite a few times before, doing her one-woman show at the Bootlegger Bistro & Suncoast Hotel, and have always enjoyed her performances. She has a great flair for comedy and her shows are always entertaining. Obviously, hearing that she now had a trio, I was very interested to see what she had put together, and of course to check out the “competition.” :)

As the byline on their show program reads, their show (co-written by Clinton, Valdes and Fiorillo) is the “true life story about 3 unique and talented ladies who decided that 3 was a much stronger number than 1.” All three of these women have been in the business a long time and in the show, they share some fun stories about working as a “chick singer.” Elisa Fiorillo is by far the strongest singer in the group (although all three of them did have some very nice moments), and she is an amazing songwriter as well. Two of my favorite songs in the show “Bun in the Oven” and “Count on You” were both written by Elisa. In addition, she co-wrote two other funny songs, “Awkward Moments” and “Rejection,” with Kelly and Veronica.

While there were some really cute spots in the show, some of the timing and delivery of the jokes needs a little work. I do think, however, that they are on the right track.  Veronica Valdes has a great character in the show, complete with thick Cuban accent, and when she actually stuck with that character, I really enjoyed her bits. One of Kelly’s characters, special guest “Jo Jo Spaghetti Moretti,” is always a hit. And of course, her “PMS Blues” song is pretty much-guaranteed plenty of laughter and applause whenever she does it…very funny. Comedy is definitely her forte, and I really enjoyed all her bits.

With Carmine Mandia Following the Show at the Stirling Club…

Overall, it is a much more comedy/character driven show than musically/vocally/harmonically driven…which, to be honest, I was a little bummed out about. BUT, their audience of friends really seemed to enjoy the show…and in this difficult time of economic stress and uncertainty, maybe a little fun and comedy is exactly what we all need right now.

Click Here to Visit Kelly Clinton‘s Website and see her schedule of upcoming shows

Click Here to Visit Elisa Fiorillo‘s Website (and hear audio samples of her awesome songs and even order a CD of her music)