Jackson tribute is a thriller show

Almost 20 Las Vegas entertainment acts paid tribute to Michael Jackson and his music Saturday in the concert venue where Jackson hoped to perform a thank-you concert.

A sell-out crowd of 2,600 at the Palms' Pearl helped raise more $100,000 for music education programs in Clark County.

Jackson's father, Joe, on hand for a celebrity star dedication on what would have been the King of Pop's 51st birthday, revealed to Vegas Confidential that Michael indicated he wanted to perform in the Pearl as a gesture of gratitude to Palms owner George Maloof.

The singer and his three children stayed at the Palms for several months earlier this year to work on an album in the Palms recording studios.

"That was something he wanted to do," said Joe Jackson, who has lived in Las Vegas since the mid-1990s.

Maloof confirmed that Michael brought it up earlier this year when Maloof gave him a tour of the venue.

Joe Jackson said he was unable to attend Saturday's concert because of a prior commitment but a friend said it was more a case of the event being too emotional for the family patriarch.

Sadly, he missed a "killer" song-and-dance show that featured Michael's songs.

Some of the biggest ovations went to: 11-year-old Elijah Johnson of "The Lion King," performing "Dancing;" the cast members from "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular" and "Jersey Boys" combining on "Theme from Free Willie," the Australian groups Human Nature ("I Want You Back") and Signature ("Billy Jean") and the Las Vegas Mass Choir, decked out in black pants, white shirts, black fedoras and, of course, the glove on the right hand, singing "Man in the Mirror."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

There's buzz in the show biz community that Liza Minnelli is planning another "gypsy" show when she wraps up her Sept. 25-Oct. 1 run at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre. It was something she often did with Sammy Davis Jr. and she brought back the tradition in November 2006 at Luxor. It will be the toughest ticket in town. ...

SIGHTINGS

Female impersonator Frank Marino, backstage at Joan Rivers' show on Friday at The Venetian Showroom. ... Country singer Tracy Lawrence, taking in "Criss Angel Believe" (Luxor) on Friday. ... Ed Henry, CNN's senior White House correspondent, dining at Intimate Fine Dining in Henderson on Friday. He's in town to buy a condo. ... Bill Maher, host of HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher," touring "Bodies. ... The Exhibition" (Luxor) Friday. From the conversation, it was clear Maher's female companion had a medical background. ... Locksmiths, changing the locks Friday and videotaping the process at Michael Jackson's former residence at 2710 W. Palomino Lane. ... Retired pitching star Roger Clemens, backstage on Thursday after taking in fellow Texan Terry Fator's show (Mirage). He was in town to golf and attend Toby Keith's concert. He golfed Friday at TPC. In his playing group was Ron Futrell, longtime local TV personality. ... Tony Curtis stopped in the Rusty Spur Saloon, 8025 Dean Martin Drive, for a margarita Friday to let 'em know he was still kicking after a recent health scare that left him in the intensive care unit at a New York City hospital.

THE PUNCH LINE

"There was one awkward moment when Jon got confused and accidentally dropped his girlfriend off at the third grade -- but other than that, it went fine." -- Jimmy Kimmel, on Jon and Kate dropping their kids off for the first day of school.

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