More news on the entertainment scene. Barry Manilow, who's been packing them in at the Hilton, was told last week that his contract with the resort has been extended through 2008. This is the second extension since he opened there some 13 months ago.
Rumors of Clint Holmes leaving Harrah's were not unfounded, as it was announced this past week that Rita Rudner, who is ending her long run at New York-New York, would be taking the singer's place later on this year. No mention where Holmes may be going, but I hope it's still in Vegas and on the Strip, as we can't afford to lose his kind of talent.
And later this month, April 22 to be exact, the Las Vegas Historic Museum at the Tropicana will close. I wish they could find a permanent home for this as it is both interesting and informative and gives visitors a look into our past, both the good and the bad.
Bally's has come up with a new Jubilee Dinner & Show package. The offer includes a ticket for one and a $30 dining voucher that can be redeemed at one of six restaurants located within Bally's and Paris. The package will run you from $80 to $97 (per person) and is valid at Chang's, al Dente, Bally's Steakhouse, Ah Sin, Le Provencal, and Les Artistes. All great restaurants, but don't think that 30 bucks is going to come anywhere near covering your dinner tab.
For those of you who read my column regularly (Yes, mom, someone other than you does read it) you will know that I love traveling down Memory Lane. So imagine my delight when I heard that the Rampart Casino will be presenting "The Original Comets, A Salute to Bill Haley" on Saturday, April 15.
You just know there's going to be a lot of shake, rattle, and rollin' with original Comets Marshall Lytle, Johnny Grande, Dick Richards, Joey D'Ambrosio and Franny Beecher on hand. Don't know if you're aware of this, but in 1951, Bill Haley led The Saddlemen, who had roots in country western music, but in 1952, he renamed his band The Comets, and the rest, as they say, is history. And here's the good part. Tickets are now on sale for only $20 (plus tax) at the Rampart Casino Cage.
FOR THE KIDS
Now for a couple of items relating to the little people, and I'm not talking about midgets. For the past 15 years, E Bunny has delivered thousands of Easter baskets to underprivileged children and this year is no exception, says spokesperson Barbara Kenig. "We get requests from shelters every year and we specifically look for groups and organizations that aren't sponsored by large charities or outreach programs; we look for those who otherwise wouldn't have Easter baskets for the kids."
Over the years, companies like Sam's Club, Walmart and Target have contributed, as well as thousands of individuals. If you would like to join the volunteers that make or donate Easter baskets for homeless Las Vegas children, here's how you can help: Make, or purchase one special basket for one special child by Monday April 10; donate merchandise for baskets; spread the word. Ask friends and family to make a basket. Encourage the company you work for, or other businesses, to donate merchandise or purchase baskets (tax deduction info available)
As the population in Las Vegas continues to grow, so does the number of homeless, many who have children. Easter is a time of hope and renewal and what could bring more pleasure than giving something to someone in need, especially children. If you would like to participate, please call Barbara Kenig at (702)498-9808 or e-mail her at barbarakenig@aol.com. You'll be supporting a great cause.
SPRING FEST
On a happier note, the City of Henderson parks and recreation department will host its annual spring festival for kids from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 12 at Stephanie Lynn Craig Park, 1725 Galleria Drive, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 at Valley View Recreation Center, 500 Harris Street.
Both events are free and will have carnival games, prizes, candy and lots more. Your kids, if they aren't too unruly, can get their pictures taken with Peter Cottontail for $2 per photo as a memento, that they can give as a birthday or Christmas present to mom and dad sometime in the future, saving them buying some expensive gift. In the event of inclement weather (meaning rain, or...rain, I guess, as we don't get any other kind of inclement weather here), the April 12 event will be held at Whitney Ranch Recreation Center, 1575 Galleria Drive. If you want more info, call 267-5700.
ANOTHER WINNER
I have said it before and I'll say it again. I am really getting tired telling you about all these people who come into town and win huge amounts of money, while at the same time ignoring my requests for a donation to the Lenny Butcher Early Retirement Fund. But I figure it's my duty to report these winners, if for nothing else than to lure you into town with the laughable expectation of going home a winner (of any amount).
Charlo Vanlian of Glendale, CA, I'm told, was ready to head to bed in the wee hours of the morning after playing $20 at a Wheel of Fortune® slot machine at the Imperial Palace. But, since he "had been feeling lucky" and his friend was still playing nearby, Vanlian played a little more -- and won $1,152,883.61 on a dollar machine.
When the jackpot hit, the 29-year-old security officer said he "felt faint and total shock." Vanlian, who is getting married in August, said he plans to use some of the money for a down payment on a house, and the winnings will help make things easier with his new life. Somebody better get this guy a financial consultant and have him pay cash for his house and buy it right away, then have his soon-to-be wife sign a pre-nup. Just a suggestion.
Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip. And don't forget to check out www.valleyblogs.com
If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylv@cox.net. Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.
