Jazz club reunion, benefit tattoos add spice to valley life

You never know who'll become a star these days.

Frankie Citro, the Nevada casino Black Book member and once reputed organized crime character, has show biz in his blood. He has starting a variety show at the Italian American Club, and a television crew will be on hand to film his sets for future viewing.

Says television show producer Tom Ficara, "We are indeed going to make a monthly TV series with Frankie for our TVS Television Network. The show is going to be on TV4U.Com 48-channel IPTV network on the 'Vegas' Channel, which is www.kshoty.com."

It's not exactly HBO, but it's a start. Let's hope a future episode doesn't call for him to enter local casinos, where he's been banned for life.

Will we finally see Frankie C's face and name in lights?

Better than on a post office wall.

GLASS HALF FULL: Former District Judge Jackie Glass, host of the upcoming "Swift Justice With Jackie Glass," has a serious PR team. Reporters and editors were recently requested to please use her new photograph in place of any others that showed her in action in an actual local courtroom.

If "Swift Justice" Jackie's husband, Steve Wolfson, gets his wish, he'll add his photo to those who have been honored with the title of Clark County district attorney, following David Rogers' retirement announcement this week.

GHOSTS OF POGO'S: Pogo's, the venerable hole-in-the-wall on Decatur Boulevard that featured live jazz on Friday nights, is no more. But jazz aficionado Marsha Ross says she was recently approached by some Pogo's diehards who wanted to bring together some of the former Strip musicians who made Pogo's their second home.

"I thought it might be a nice time to pull some of the old players and fans in to have a reunion of sorts," Ross says. "Free admission. Just a jam and fun. The first part will be the original guys, then a jam will start."

The first reunion attempt is set for 2 p.m. Sunday at the E-String Bar and Grill and Old School Jazz Club at 2031 Sunset Road in Henderson.

IN THE CARDS: A Las Vegas local I know is a big St. Louis Cardinals fan. How big?

He not only attended Games 6 and 7 of the World Series at Busch Stadium, which of course ended with the Cardinals besting the Texas Rangers, but he compared Game 6 favorably on the excitement meter up there with life events that include "the birth of my children."

I'm not saying he has his priorities out of order, but I just hope his wife doesn't find out. She didn't have time to stand for a seventh-inning stretch while giving birth to his two offspring.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Local tattoo artist Randy Evans has found his own way to honor his late mother and contribute to breast cancer research. He's offering 50 percent off on all breast-cancer-related tattoos, with proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

"We aren't in a financial situation that we can give thousands of dollars to the cause, but we are trying to do what we can to get the community involved, even if it's by luring them in for a new tattoo," says Randy's wife, Lisa, adding that more information is available on Facebook at "Tattoos by Randy Evans."

BOULEVARD II: Members of the New Jerusalem Church see a need in their community and are attempting to meet it. On Nov. 12, church members will hold their annual Winter Outreach at 1100 North D St. and will distribute coats, blankets and personal hygiene items to those in need. It's a tough neighborhood experiencing very tough times.

For information on how you can help, call the church at 648-1784.

BOULEVARD III: I read where five players from UNLV's hapless football team have been suspended for disciplinary reasons prior to the overmatched Rebels' upcoming game against punishing national powerhouse Boise State.

Wouldn't it have been a tougher punishment to make them play?

That's an awfully convenient time to violate team rules, but perhaps discretion really is the better part of valor.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? Email comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295. He also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/smith.