Bellagio pianist to play Bush farewell

David Osborne, known as the pianist to the presidents, will be playing at President Bush's final White House party on Dec. 22.

Osborne, a Las Vegas lounge fixture for several decades and a regular at Bellagio, recently performed for the final Bush staff party at the White House.

He has played everything from the classics to Broadway hits for White House guests for the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations and is a regular performer for Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in Plains, Ga.

After 11 years at Caesars Palace, Osborne moved to the Bellagio's Baccarat Lounge in April 2007, leaving his beloved Steinway. The Steinway was specifically purchased by Caesars for Frank Sinatra's engagements.

SCENE AND HEARD

Jason Strauss, co-owner of Lavo and Tao, took third place in the Turnberry Pro Am tennis tournament over the weekend. His partner was Mike Bryan, who with his twin brother, Bob Bryan, is one half of the reigning U.S. Open doubles champs.

SIGHTINGS

Sean "Diddy" Combs, leading the crowd at Tao (The Venetian) in a "Happy Birthday" serenade to Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx on Saturday night. Foxx was celebrating his 41st birthday and the release of his new album "Intuition." Foxx, in an emotional speech, thanked friends and family for joining him, including sister Deidra Dixon and longtime friends from Texas. Avril Lavigne arrived about 2 a.m. and dashed rumors of pregnancy when she was seen downing Patron shots at the owner's table on the dance floor. ... Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley, a sparkplug in the Phillies' World Series run, at a VIP table at Tryst nightclub Saturday inside Wynn Las Vegas. ... "Fantastic Four" actor Chris Evans and Kyle Howard of "My Boys," filming a commercial for Las Vegas Tourism at Lavo inside The Palazzo on Saturday. ... Kid Rock, in Kokomo's lounge Saturday night at The Mirage having cocktails and appetizers. ... Frank Viola, former Cy Young award winner and World Series MVP, surprising his wife, Kathy, on her 50th birthday and their 25th anniversary by flying in their three kids as well as other friends and family for a weekend of celebrating in Las Vegas. They marked the dual occasions Saturday with dinner at Strip House (Planet Hollywood Resort). ... UNLV head basketball coach Lon Kruger and family at the Donny and Marie show Saturday at the Flamingo. ... At the UFC event at the Palms on Saturday: Kevin James, Playboy's 55th anniversary Playmate Dasha Astafieva, Frank Mir and UFC star Forrest Griffin, currently ranked as the No. 1 light heavyweight, cheering on Vinicius Magalhaes, who lost in the first round to Ryan Bader in the light heavyweight final bout. ... Carmen Electra, dealing blackjack as a celebrity Bunny dealer Saturday at the Playboy Club (Palms). Her fiancé, Rob Patterson, was also at the event. ... At Christian Audigier The Nightclub (Treasure Island) on Saturday: Singer/musician Ryan Cabrera, with a group that included singer Jackie Jackson, actor Stoney Jackson and illusionist Steve Wyrick. ... At the Playboy Club (Palms) on Saturday: Ring announcer Bruce Buffer, former NFL star Richard Dent, Astafieva and Electra. The latter duo was presented with the celebrity keyholder keys. ... Flamingo headliner Marie Osmond, signing her designer brand dolls, including a new showgirl and Elvis, at the Flamingo on Friday. ... Mia Tyler, daughter of Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, at Wasted Space (Hard Rock) on Saturday. ... Members of O.A.R. (Of a Revolution) brought their after-party to The Bank (Bellagio).

THE PUNCH LINE

"The economy is looking bad. In Beverly Hills, women are firing their nannies and having to learn the names of their own children. That's how bad it is." -- Jay Leno

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.