Gans service to be invitation only

A memorial service for Danny Gans will be May 21 in the Encore Theater where he had performed since February.

The memorial is scheduled for 3 p.m. and will be by invitation only because of seating limitations and "the many people who crossed Danny's path," said Gans' manager Chip Lightman.

Gans, who was found dead at his Henderson home May 1, was buried Tuesday after a private funeral.

The family is asking that cards be sent to Danny Gans Family, c/o Encore hotel, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to Gans' favorite charities, the Junior Golf Academy and the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Allow me to correct something here: On Saturday in this space, I misstated that Gans closed his final show on April 29 with "The Curtain Falls," the signature close of legendary entertainer Bobby Darin, who died in 1973 at age 37.

Gans closed with "Apollo," the medley he had ended his show with for years that included Gans' impressions of Sammy Davis Jr., Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong and other icons who had performed at Harlem's famed Apollo Theatre.

During our interview May 1, the day Gans died, Lightman had noted a delay occurred in the curtain closing, which I mistakenly wrote down as a reference to Darin's "Curtain" closing.

Gans had performed "Curtain" during his 12 weeks at Wynn Las Vegas' Encore hotel, Lightman said.

And he said Gans, in his upcoming book that he finished April 29, ended the manuscript with the final words to "Curtain."

NICK LACHEY CONNECTION

Las Vegas nightlife reporter Emily Gimmel is linked to Nick Lachey in the latest Star Magazine.

Gimmel, 24, and Lachey, 34, "flirted up a storm" at the Kentucky Derby last weekend, according to the tabloid publication.

A native of Louisville, she is the entertainment reporter for 702.tv, which was launched April 30 by Greenspun Media Group. Gimmel is also in the upcoming reality show "Southern Belles" on SOAPNet channel. The show premieres 10 p.m. May 21.

Gimmel acknowledged in an e-mail that she ran into Lachey several times. "We know a lot of the same people," she told me in an e-mail on Thursday. "He is a really nice guy, and we were all just enjoying the weekend -- nothing more, nothing less!"

On her personal Web site, she said the show "is all about embracing life, promoting positivity and encouraging others to discover their 'inner sexy.' Because to me -- if it doesn't make you feel sexy, it's not worth doing."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Steve Davidovici, an original partner in Pure Management Group, is telling friends that he's opening a new club in New York City. Davidovici has been flying under the radar since the IRS raided Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace a year ago in February. The probe is part of an investigation into PMG. Davidovici's new club, he grew up in the New York area, is called The Griffin and it is located near the Hotel Gansevoort.

Correction to Thursday's column: Former Crazy Horse Too owner Rick Rizzolo was convicted of racketeering charges in a separate probe, not the "G-Sting" operation that ensnared several county officials.

MAY I RECOMMEND ...

For true-blue foodies, Vegas Uncork'd is one of the ultimate culinary experiences of the year. Forty-some restaurants, with their star chefs, will be featuring many of their signature dishes, plus wines, at the Grand Tasting at the pool at Caesars Palace from 7-10 tonight. Tickets: $150 in advance, $175 at the door.

SIGHTINGS

Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, ducking out of "O" (Bellagio) before it ended to get back to their villas at Bellagio. ... Chefs Rick Moonen (RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay), Kerry Simon (Simon at Palms Place), Paul Bartolotta (Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare), Bon Appetit restaurant editor Andrew Knowlton and Las Vegas restaurant critic John Curtas, having lunch at Los Molcajetes, 1553 N. Eastern Ave. ... Kelly Clarkson, walking through the Palms casino. ... Alicia Jacobs, KVBC-TV, Channel 3 entertainment reporter, on CNN Headline News, "Today," "Access Hollywood" and "Extra."

THE PUNCH LINE

"Elizabeth Edwards is going to be on 'Oprah.' I wonder how many people would rather see her beat the crap out of her husband on 'Jerry Springer'?" -- Jay Leno

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.