No punches thrown, but Las Vegas entertainer still takes a beating

A funny thing happened on the way to South Point:

Sunday's comedy roast for longtime Las Vegas entertainer Cork Proctor at Michael Gaughan's hotel-casino raised more than $15,000 for Opportunity Village and at times had a packed showroom crowd in hysterics. Not necessarily during any of the moments I was speaking, but at times.

The celebration of Proctor's 80th birthday was a good excuse for a fundraiser, and Cork's friends from the standup circuit took the stage for a goodhearted skewering.

Proctor was the consummate good sport, and emcee Bob Zany kept the audience roaring. Peter Anthony, Jack Hayden, Bob Ross and Kelly McDonald turned out with Kim Richards, Carme, Gerry Bednob, Jeff Wayne, Kathleen Dunbar, Kenny Bob Davis, Fielding West and the great Sammy Shore.

It was also the release party for Proctor's memoir, "My Mind is an Open Mouth: A Life Behind the Mic." The book has just been published by Life Stories, an imprint of R-J sister publishing company Stephens Press.

Proctor's tales of his life in the trenches of Las Vegas entertainment - he has been a comedian and musician for decades - are not only lively, but they also depict the reality of how the 99 percent earn a living in show business.

The improvisation specialist once referred to Reno's Eldorado hotel-casino as "the world's first high-rise Denny's" and jabbed balding Gov. Mike O'Callaghan as "a guy too damn cheap to buy a hairpiece."

Proctor is also candid enough to include some of the bruising reviews he has received for his at-times caustic approach to the audience and the world at large. Las Vegas entertainment critic Bill Willard once observed, "If he keeps it up with this filthy sludge, it will be a wonder that he fails to get socked either physically or by a lawsuit. He causes walk-outs with his remarks.''

On Sunday, no punches were thrown.

BOB BLUM: Radio announcer and all-around good sport Bob Blum, who died July 22 at 91, was a walking Hall of Fame of memories that ranged from Notre Dame sports and the San Francisco Giants to the old American Football League and the Lady Rebels basketball team. And, of course, the Las Vegas Stars-51s.

He was a kind and generous man.

ON THE BLOG: Check out one College of Southern Nevada student's scathing letter to President Michael Richards on my blog at lvrj.com.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Leave it to the great Willie Nelson to remind you there's a lot of living to do no matter your age. At 79, Nelson packed Sunset Station last Saturday night and played with uncommon energy and showmanship for more than two hours. He didn't let the hot, stormy night slow him a bit.

BOULEVARD II: Retired casino dealer Blair Willey, who died July 20 at age 80, was an entertaining storyteller who could still fit into his dealer's black-and-whites in his 70s. He once wore them to a reunion of Sahara casino employees.

BOULEVARD III: Travelers to Duck Creek, Utah, know that on the weekends it transforms into a Southern Nevada suburb. The popular getaway for locals celebrates its annual Duck Days this weekend. It's country fun and well worth the 235-mile drive. ... Closer to home, Sunday night's 51s game at Cashman Field is sponsored by the R-J, and I've been asked to throw out the first pitch. Instead, I'm sending in a relief pitcher, my daughter, Amelia. ... There's still time to put together a foursome for the Aug. 6 Marriott Las Vegas Charities Golf Tournament to benefit Candlelighters and the Children's Miracle Network. The Just for Kids is set for TPC Las Vegas, and for more information go to marriott
justforthekids.com.

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. Follow him on Twitter @jlnevadasmith.