Jasmine Trias - Society of Seven & American Idol
Friday, January 22, 2010
Jasmine Trias, performing with the Society of Seven, was born November 03, 1986 in Miliani. Jasmine is a Filipina-American who came in 3rd place in the third season of American Idol. Not only is she a hit in the States but Jasmine is a big star in her home country of Philippines. Jasmine was such a big star when she visited the Philippines, her visit was called "Jasmania" as Jasmine became the face of McDonalds (where people purchased "The Jasmine Trio"), Bench and Smart (the Philippines' biggest cellphone company). Trias first gained recognition on the third season of American Idol. She auditioned in the first auditions in her home state of Hawaii. Trias made it to the top twelve performers and eventually finished as the second runner-up. She is the very first Filipino ever to advance in American Idol finals.

Tony Ruivivar - Society of Seven
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Society of Seven is a variety troupe that was formed in the early 1960s. Originally, the six-member group that included founders Tony Ruivivar and Bert Sagum who are in the Gold Coast show released a number of records in Asia, recording with Hong Kong-based Diamond Records. Their version of "A Little Bit of Soap" was No. 1 for 32 weeks on the Hong Kong charts, and a hit in neighboring countries. They had a double hit with "Dancing on the Moon" and "Sunshine". When the group first came to Las Vegas for a four-week gig at the Thunderbird Lounge, they were discovered by Ed Sullivan and made two appearances on his television show in 1964. The name Society of Seven (SOS) was adopted in 1969 and the group opened at the main showroom of the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel that year for what was originally a four-week engagement in place of Tommy Sands. To this day, a second troupe of SOS continues to appear at the Outrigger. SOS has appeared in different Las Vegas showrooms including the Aladdin, Bally's and Flamingo. On Nov. 6, 2009, SOS opened a new show with "American Idol" star Jasmine Trias from Hawaii, who took third place on the show's third season. The contract is to perform two shows at 3:30 and 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino. SOS has been voted "The Best Show in Waikiki" by the readers of "Honolulu Magazine." The original SOS group received a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars in 2006, and the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) in 2007.

Roosevelt Toston - Author
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Roosevelt Toston, Author, has been a resident of Las Vegas for nearly 50 years and is considered a trailblazer for his many accomplishments. He was the first (full-time) African-American broadcast journalist and television anchorman in the state of Nevada. As a result of his work in the broadcast industry and with the LVCVA he received numerous awards, among them: the Apex Award (Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine), and Pioneer Award (Las Vegas Association of Black Journalists). His new book, "Beating The Odds - in Las Vegas and Life" is an inspirational journey of his life and accomplishments in Las Vegas and representing Las Vegas on the world stage.

Kenny Giordano - Singer, Song Writer
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
National recording artist Kenny Giordano got his musical start at the age of four when his brother Ernie Giordano put a guitar into his hands. The fifth of six children, Kenny watched older brother Mike and his friends jam in their Alexandria, Virginia home. In addition to his folk, country, rock, ragtime, and classical roots, Kenny has extensive experience providing entertainment for fairs and festivals around the USA and Canada along with house concerts. Kenny recently moved to Las Vegas to expand his musical career and he shars with us the issues a new talent faces in the entertainment capital of the world.

George Dare - Singer, Composer
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
George Dare has been singing and composing music for 30 years in Las Vegas. You've also heard his musical compositions and singing voice on such campaigns as "It's A Good Time, For The Great Taste Of McDonald's" and the "Spirit" campaign for Chevrolet. In addition to writing and performing many national commercisls, he also has wrtiirn the theme songs for many national organizations as well as the City of Las Vegas. A truly talented musician and composer, George also donates his work to select charitable organizations each year!

Peter Max - World Renown Artist
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
An interview with one of the world's most famous artists, Peter Max. He has a gallery in the Forum Shops and is a friend of many celebrities including all of the Beatles, has appeared many times on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The Ed Sullivan Show and has been commissioned by many U.S. Presidents and other world famous people for his unbelieveable and unique art.

Philip Fortenberry - Pianist, Conductor, Composer
Friday, November 13, 2009
Philip Fortenberry, the associate conductor of "Jersey Boys" at the Palazzo, stars in his own acclaimed one-man cabaret creation of the thrice-weekly musical cabaret, "Liberace & Me," at the glittering Liberace Museum's intimate cabaret showroom. He previously conducted on the Strip and played for "Hairspray" at Luxor, "We Will Rock You" at Paris, "Mamma Mia!" at Mandalay Bay, and "Phantom-The Las Vegas Spectacular." Philip has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the White House. Early in his career in New York, Philip became the musical director and on-stage pianist for the long-running off-Broadway satirical revue, "Forbidden Broadway," and he was also the musical supervisor for London's West End version of the show. Philip's other career highlights include playing for the Broadway productions and national tours of "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Cats," "Saturday Night Fever," "Ragtime," "Seussical The Musical," "Sideshow" and "The Lion King." He toured the U.S. and Canada in concert performances of "The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber" starring Michael Crawford.

Zowie Bowie - Top Las Vegas Band
Friday, November 06, 2009
An interview with Chris Phillips, otherwise known as Zowie Bowie. Chris and Marley Taylor arrived in Las Vegas following a lengthy run in Scottsdale, Arizona, that captured a cult following. Since opening at Red Rock Resort in April 2006 they have already been named Best Lounge Act in Las Vegas by AOL, Citylife and the Review-Journal. They played at the Palms during 2009 and now have 2 different shows at the Monte Carlo - the dance band in the Pub on Fridays and Saturdays and the Vintage Vegas Show on Sunday nights in the Lance Burton Showroom.

Michael Cagle - Singer and Actor
Thursday, November 05, 2009
An interview with singer and performer Michael Cagle. Michael has lived and performed in Las Vegas since 2001 and headlined on the strip and played many properties around Las Vegas. His powerful voice has landed him many shows for Pop, Broadway Shows tunes and well as R&B. He shares with us some insite in Vegas performing and his move this year in Country/Western music.

Jerry Marcellino - Record Producer
Friday, October 02, 2009
Jerry Marcellino has worked in every aspect of the music business in creative or management roles for the last 45 years. A highly respected member of the music industry, he has served three terms as an elected Governor of the Board of NARAS (The Grammy Organization), L.A. Chapter. Jerry has worked with, such greats as Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Bobby Darin, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Lionel Ritchie and the Commodores, ShaNaNa The Jackson Five and many others. His writing and producing skills have earned him 17 Gold Albums, 3 Platinum Albums, and 6 Gold Singles. Jerry has also written and produced music for film and television as well as Motown Records, A&M Records, and Mega Records. The San Diego Chargers theme song was written and produced by Jerry Marcellino.

Kari Bagnall - Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Kari Bagnall is founder and director of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary. Kari was working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children when a 'pet' monkey named Samantha was given to her in 1993. Soon after Samantha came into Kari's life, more monkeys followed and Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary was born. Jungle Friends is home to over 100 new-world monkeys with an ever-growing waiting list. Most were cast offs from the exotic pet trade, others were retired from laboratory research.

James Barela - BLU7 Jazz Band (Trumpet)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
James Barela' trumpet playing can be heard on several recordings by artists such as, Nick Brignola, Unit Five, Neophonic Jazz Orchestra, Mark Massamino, Jump Jive and Wail, Josephine, and his own group BLU7. James has also been featured in the T.V. mini-series, "Steven King's-THE SHINING". James has been featured in magazines ranging from Downbeat and The Rocky Mountain News to Westword magazine and The Gift of Jazz. James has performed all over the world with just about every type of musical ensemble and continues to search for new sounds to incorporate into his writing and playing.

Audrey Roberts - ARTV Art Education
Thursday, September 17, 2009
In 1991, Audrey Roberts created a television series that spotlights the visual arts and artists. The show, which was broadcast from Sarasota, Florida, co-ordinate a review of new, emerging artists, from 42 states, testing the market for such a forum in the USA. The original intent of ARTV was to provide an Artist Ranking System. The TV series was aimed at educating the collecting public in the acquisition of fine art. She also conducts local and national art seminars and produces videotapes on art investment tips, which she distributes through a national network of artists and collectors. Ms. Roberts and her team, travel around the world filming art and artists for new ARTV productions. In 1999, Ms. Roberts organized and presented a special event to recognize the art of Anthony Quinn in Las Vegas, with many of his works displayed, and with the Academy Award-winning artist present to personally meet many of the 20,000 art collectors, connoisseurs, and fans who attended. +++ At the event, Quinn presented one of his works - "Zorba" - as a gift to the Nevada University Medical Center. The ARTV AWARDS Platform is the culmination of 20 years of test marketing and working with fine artists around the world. She created this program for educational and entertainment purposes to broaden the viewsership of the American audience and spotlighting the fine arts for cultural stimulation.

Nico Santucci - Business Entrepeneur
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
It's not just his Italian upbringing or the fact that he was born in Chicago or that he owns a Las Vegas restaurant that's right out of "The Sopranos." When Nico Santucci talks, people listen – they know that his name means business. Lots of business! In fact, no matter what he undertakes, Nico is a surefire hit. The handsome 45-year-old bachelor entrepreneur/restaurateur not only owns Capo's Italian Restaurant, a $2-million classic car collection, and a modeling agency and is a respected architectural designer and master party host, but he also owns the 14,000-square-foot Parisian Palace in Las Vegas, which he completely redesigned and remodeled himself. Often seen hanging out with the likes of George Clooney, Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg when they are in town, Nico has turned the palace into the city's hottest gathering and partying spot for Hollywood's and Vegas' mob of movers and shakers, as well as for charitable events.

Gary Mahoney - Author
Monday, August 31, 2009
"The Last Cookie Club" author Gary Mahoney is a former Las Vegas casino owner who has been plagued with eating addiction issues for most of his life. His passion throughout that time has been investigating a variety of programs and treatments, learning all he could about his addiction to help himself and others suffering from this and similar destructive behaviors. He believes that "The Last Cookie Club" is informative, entertaining and above all, offers real solutions and hope. Father of five, grandfather of eight, Mahoney currently resides in Las Vegas with his wife of thirty-seven years, Gail.

Human Nature - Andrew Tierney
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Smokey Robinson Presents Australia's Human Nature – The Ultimate Celebration of Motown features the dynamic harmonies of Toby Allen, Phil Burton, Andrew Tierney and Michael Tierney as they perform Motown's greatest hits. Their uplifting show creates a night of exciting entertainment in the newly remodeled 653-seat Imperial Palace Showroom. Human Nature formed in 1989 as a doo-wop band in Sydney. In 1994 they signed with Sony Music and released their debut album "Telling Everybody" in 1995. The album was an instant hit selling four times platinum and in the process going on to become the most successful debut album ever released in Australia. Human Nature released their fourth consecutive No. 1 album, "A Symphony of Hits," in 2008. They have traveled with Michael Jackson and Celine Dion, just to mention a few.

Alton White - Lion King (Mufasa)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
An interview with Alton White (Mufasa) in the Lion King. Alton has been performing on Broadway with 1991 including the following productions: The Color Purple, The Lion King, Ragtime, Smokey Joe's Café, The WHO's Tommy, and Miss Saigon. He also has appeared to televison on "All My Children," "Law & Order" and "SVU." On film, he has appeared in The Life, This Side of the Truth. He also has many voiceovers & national commercials and concert dates around the world.

Rich Natole - Impressionist Comedian
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
"Voices Of A Generation" is a people pleasing show that showcases dozens of celebrity voices in a fast moving, very funny show. Whether you love comedy, love impressionists or just love to be fully entertained, Rich Natole will exceed your expectations with "Voices Of A Generation". Rich played every major comedy club in 42 states within just a few years. He was a key opening act for many musical and comedy acts. Rich is currently playing at the Tropicana.

Daniel Glass - Drummer of Royal Crown Revue
Friday, May 29, 2009
In 1994, Daniel Glass joined the L.A. swing phenomenon Royal Crown Revue, the group that single handedly inspired today's "Retro-Swing"" resurgence by combining 1940s sound and style with modern raw power. Touring highlights with RCR include a headlining spot on the Van's Warped Tours '97 and '99 (with stops in Europe, Australia and Japan), a spot on the 1998 Playboy Jazz Festival, and national tours with The B-52's, The Pretenders, and KISS. The band performed with Bette Midler at the 1998 Billboard Music Awards, and was featured in the nation's top jazz festivals (including Concord, Saratoga, Newport and JVC Lincoln Center). In September of 1999, RCR headlined two sold out performances with the 110 piece Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In additon to being an accomplished musician, Daniel has also penned 3 books on the history of musical eras of drums.

Sally Dewhurst - Crazy Horse Paris
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sally Dewhurst is the communications director and wears many other hats for the Crazy Horse Paris review at the MGM. Sally shares with us the history of the show, a very artistic topless show of talented and beautiful women dancers with creative lighting effects not seen anywhere else.