Bob Anderson of ‘Sinatra’ show sings at Tark tribute
Of all the big finishes by Jerry Tarkanian teams at the Thomas &Mack Center, only this could top it.
Bob Anderson, the star of “Sinatra: The Man, The Music” at the Palazzo, brought the house down Sunday at a Tarkanian memorial when he changed the ending of the Frank Sinatra classic “My Way.”
Anderson turned away from the podium and walked toward the backdrop featuring many photos of Tarkanian. Raising his arm toward photos, Anderson sang, “The record shows he took the blows and did it his way.”
When he turned around, he said, “everyone was crying.”
He added, “I thought it would be apropos.”
When the applause finally died down, emcee Kenny Mayne, a former UNLV quarterback and longtime ESPN host, delivered one of the best lines of the day with what sounded like, “What a drag. I was going to sing that song.”
Tarkanian, the former UNLV basketball coach, died Feb. 11 at the age of 84. The Hall of Famer led the Rebels to the 1990 national championship.
Other dramatic moments of the tribute included:
■ UNLV great Reggie Theus was walking toward the podium with other Rebel greats when he turned and walked back to shake hands with current Rebels coach Dave Rice, who had a front-row seat. It was a classy moment. Theus had passionately pursued the job and had Tarkanian’s backing when Rice was selected four years ago. “We talk all the time,” Theus said. “I see him at all kinds of events. I’m here a lot.”
■ Tark’s close friend Freddie Glusman, owner of Piero’s Italian Cuisine, returned to the Thomas &Mack on Sunday for the first time since the bitter end of Tarkanian’s 19-year tenure, in March 1992. Glusman, who sat in his long-held Gucci Row seats, complimented UNLV for doing “a great job” with the tribute. “The only thing missing was Tark.”
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Correction: Lois Tarkanian is a member of the Las Vegas City Council.
SIGHTINGS
Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson, dining at the Washington Palm on Sunday night with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Earlier Sunday, Graham addressed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee policy conference and threatened to cut funding to the United Nations. Graham has spoken out against the organization, alleging it is alienating Israel in the international community. The Adelsons’ visit coincides with the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose address to Congress on Tuesday has angered the Obama administration. … Planet Hollywood headliner Britney Spears, with her two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, and boyfriend Charlie Ebersol at the Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage on Saturday. … Steven Tyler, joining Spears on stage during her show Saturday at Planet Hollywood. Later, he joined Van Halen’s Nuno Bettencourt and Spears’ manager Larry Rudolph at Beacher’s Madhouse (MGM Grand). Also at Beacher’s Madhouse: Joey Fatone with the cast of “Rock of Ages.” The former ’NSync star is guest starring in “Rock of Ages” in the role of Dennis Dupre. … At Tao (Venetian) on Saturday: NFL star receivers Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions and A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals, at separate tables. Also there: Austin “Chumlee” Russell, Oakland Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew and New England Patriots linebacker Akeem Ayers. … DJ Paul of Oscar-winning Three 6 Mafia, dining at Andiamo Italian Steakhouse on Saturday with his wife. … Luxor headliner Carrot Top, having lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab with girlfriend Amanda Hogan at the Forum Shops at Caesars on Saturday.
THE PUNCH LINE
“I’d vote for Donald Trump just to find out how he and Melania would redecorate the White House.” — Jimmy Kimmel
Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Reach him at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more at www.normclarke.com. Follow @Norm_Clarke on Twitter.
