Storied history always comes to mind with the mere mention of the Flamingo Las Vegas.  The desert oasis created in the 1940's by Bugsy Segal was only the beginning.  Can you believe those pink flamingos are still around?  I've tried coaxing them to my pool but they keep resisting.  I keep returning to the Flamingo for the entertainment, not those darn flamingos.  Monti Rock III and the Flamingo go back ten years when I first moved to Las Vegas.  The late Mike Crawley was Entertainment Director at the time and tried to build a late night television show at the Flamingo which of course would star yours truly.  Unfortunately the effort to make me normal failed even after adding Aki as a co-hostess.  The featured entertainment back then was the Rockettes with frequent billings that included Forever Plaid. 

With the arrival of Flamingo's President Don Marrandino, a new chapter is being written.  Mr. Marrandino has made the Flamingo a true variety filled venue for show business enthusiasts, which of course would include me.  From Nathan Burton's afternoon show of magic to the late night X-Burlesque the Flamingo has been hitting home runs, not to mention the upcoming Donny and Marie Osmond show scheduled to open  in September.

Recently I caught a new arrival to the Flamingo, Vinnie Favorito.  Funny, funny, funny.  Vinnie's act is effortless and easy. as  he makes his audience the show.  Earlier he was appearing at O'Shea's downtown and originally started his Las Vegas outing at Binion's Horseshoe.  Vinnie is a prize,  performing for a full house and sold out shows seven nights a week.  This is one of those not to be missed shows and the guy is really  funny, or did I say that already? 

On the same night I caught the 10:00 PM George Wallace show, "I Been Think'n" with guest star Jennifer Holiday.  George, another really funny man. always keeps his shows fresh and up to date,  and Jennifer, in great voice and looked beautiful.  The sound of her voice brought back memories of her Broadway appearance some twenty-seven years ago in Dream Girls where I first saw her.  Jennifer's performance can only be enhanced with live music.  Wish she would consider that for her next appearance here. 

The Flamingo Las Vegas offered up a great evening with dinner and entertainment that sent my party home exhausted from laughter but warm hearted with music.  

My wonderful friend Liza Minelli was performing last week at Primm.  Tickets were being given away in order to get people to drive from Las Vegas to Primm, a short thirty miles.  At the Orleans, Steve Lawrence, without Edie, sang his heart out.  The show was sold out every night, no comps to be had.  Steve Lawrence still in great voice but my spies tell me the show was a bit long.  Clint Holmes was performing at the Judy Bailey Theater and donated the door receipts to a scholarship fund.  Cher at Caesers Colossum completely sold out but not to worry readers, be sure to check the Internet for deals on tickets.  The deals do exist. 

For some fifty years Little Anthony and the Imperials have been performing.  Once you heard "Going Out of My Head" you couldn't get it out of your head.  To celebrate their 50th Anniversary they will be at the Tropicana September 27th.  Tickets are already on sale for their 8:00 PM show.  Of all the groups from their era, Little Anthony and the Imperials are still performing with the original artists which is amazing. 

Jeff McBride, a multi-talented performer who does mime, magic,and  Kabuki, has  opened  at Palace Station in the Sound Trax Showroom. He will be performing nightly at 7:30pm (dark Tuesdays). 

More news from local television.  Jeff Graney, accused of soliciting ???????   And poor Ron Futrell did nothing wrong except hitting somebody's car. He is now doing fill-in news brodacasting on local radio (840AM )    As the say, here today, gone tomorrow.

 From the Alternative Corner..Yes, it's true. Ellen Degeneres and Portia have tied  the knot in a quiet ceremony in Califorrnia.  My fellow Puerto Rican, Ricky Martin's surrogate has given birth to twins, and Clay Aikins (who is still in the closet) is the proud parent of a  baby boy.

Roseanne Barr who is currently at the Sahara is at it again.  Roseanne,  Mr. Monti says,  "pick on somebody your own size, my darling".  Throughout her career Roseanne had a television talk show, a cooking show and a successful run as a sitcom queen.  Most of us remember her appearance at the baseball game where she defiled the Star Spangled Banner.  It seems that in her blog this week she went after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.  Brad and Angelina have done tremendous humanitarian work including their New Orleans efforts.  Even Angelina's father Jon Voigt came to their defense over remarks made on Roseanne's blog.  Roseanne's been back peddling but the damage has already been done.  Will she ever learn? 

Like so many others, I've joined the bloggers but I take heed and try to offer up helpful and useful information about Las Vegas that potential visitors might use.  I've been writing columns for the last nine years,  and I accept the responsibilities given and take all my journalist's efforts seriously while trying to add a little flare, a little fun, a little side-bar.  

David Saxe,from Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile Shops V Theater, is reported to have turned down Terry Fator,who is now considered to be a hundred million dollar star after winning on America's Got Talent last year. 

It's a little early to get excited but American Idol is on the road seeking new talent for their latest edition of the show.  Soon your columnist will have a show to deal with finding a young Las Vegas star and I'll become the Simon Cowell of Las Vegas.  I'll bet you can't wait for that scene! 

A wonderful friend Joanne Dowling, who has been a mainstay at the Review Journal, is leaving her position with the local publication but we know Joanne's genius will shine through and she'll land on her feet.  We love you dear friend. 

 And,  as always , TheReverend Monti  will see you next week.