Issue 6

 

The Jordinaires

The Jordinaires - the group which backed up the late Elvis Presley for 20 years - just finished a 5-day concert at the Gold Coast. The sold-out performances were largely due to the reputation of this group of fine gentlemen consisting of Gordon Stoker, Neil Matthews, Ray Walker and Duane West.

One of the highlights of the show was vocalist Sharon Haynes who has been performing with the group for 7 years. Miss Haynes performed a tribute to the late Patsy Cline. It was as if Patsy herself was there when Haynes took you on that wonderful journey with such legendary songs as, Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Walking After Midnight, and her closing legendary songs as, Crazy,

I Fall to Pieces, Walking After Midnight, and her closing song, Sweet Dreams - Patsy Cline's big hit which was recorded just 3 weeks before her death in March of 1963 in a plane crash. The taped version of the original eulogy delivered by Paul Harvey after Patsy's death included special effects when Sharon Haynes closes the show with Sweet Dreams was outstanding!...

Elvis Presley - the King of Rock n Roll, has had many stories and books written about his death. None have clearly explained his death totally. Gordon Stoker, however, remembers when he spoke to his friend back in 1976.

"Elvis said things weren't right ever since the Jordinaires left him. He was very unhappy, but in no way did he want to die," Stoker said.

He also noted, "Elvis took prescribed drugs from Dr. Nick to wake up in the morning and to go to sleep at night. It was the combination of those pills that killed Elvis."

What Gordon Stoker stated was just the beginning of Elvis' problems. Presley loved his fans so much that he worried about his weight. So he took laxatives on a regular basis, which didn't help matters. Elvis also had a bad colon and was afraid to have surgery. In those days, a person had to wear a colonic bag on their hip.

The King of Rock n Roll led a fast, hard life which included an excessive eating habit. Eight hamburgers at one sitting wasn't unusual for Presley to eat for lunch or dinner. Perhaps if Elvis were here today at the age of 62, he would say to his fans: "I didn't mean to leave you so soon."...

Marty Allen & Karen Kate Blackwell

Marty Allen - one of the legendary comics who helped make Las Vegas the Entertainment Capital of the World, has been performing to sold-out crowds at the Westward Ho. Allen and Rossi - one of the few comedy duos who performed after the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show - haven't been performing together for the past year. Today, however, Marty Allen's partner, who plays the straight character in a comedy sketch is his wife, Karen Kate Blackwell. Blackwell is a consummate performer who has perfect pitch with the pathos of her voice-stylings among the finest of vocalists.

Showtimes are 7pm except Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Call Westward Ho for tickets at the Allstate ticket booth at 731-2900.

Ty Murray - 6-time world rodeo champion, has earned $16,000 during the last 4 weeks since his recovery from a mishap which took him out of the action for this year. The talented bullrider spoke to me about the (Professional Bullrider's)

Bud Light Cup World Championship which was held recently at the MGM Grand Garden.

"Bullriding is the most dangerous sport. That's a known fact," stated Murray. "People think we're crazy for doin' it. I think it's one of the most challenging things in the world that you can do and I think that's what drives guys to want to do it."

Murray also states, "To go up to unbeatable odds and learn how to handle so much pressure, the fear and the adrenaline rush; to be able to put everyday life to the side and focus on what you're doin'; you don't get a greater challenge than that!"

To be a PBR bullriding champion is the highest honor for any professional bull rider. There were approximately 60,000 fans who turned out for the event. Bullriding is one of the fastest-growing sports in America.

Till next time, Tell 'em Pete Sent Ya!"

Harley Davidson's Café opening

Actor Burt Reynolds, along with Jon Voight, Whoppi Goldberg, Branscomb Richmond , Louie Anderson, and Monti Rock were among some of the celebrities who enjoyed the festivities of Mark Packards Harley Davidson's Café opening this month. The Harley Davidson Café showcases over 90 years of motorcycles, history, culture and the many enthusiasts who have made "Harley Davidson" a legend!

Branscomb Richmond & Frances Lee Dowell

While socializing there, I was most impressed with the motorcycles showcased. They were on display on a conveyor type belt, which surrounded the middle of the restaurant. Jon Voight who is looking well these days has just finished filming Rainmaker and Most Wanted. Kenan Ivory Wayan wrote Most Wanted. It should prove to be a smashing hit.

Branscomb Richmond is enjoying his residuals on Renegade. The series has been picked up as reruns by the Family Network. Richmond just finished filming "Everythings George," with Frank Gorshin who plays George Burns in the movie. Branscomb plays the bad guy and Soupy Sales - he's funny. - He's also in the movie.

"Imagine," The new Dick Foster production at the Luxor is magical. I ould see Monte Rock playing the Merlin in this production. Monti Rock "a legend in my own mind" he states will be touring with his own original show. He certainly has a unique presentation and actually sounds quite good singing such songs as "On Broadway." The Rock has returned to Las Vegas "to shake it up" and "make a difference" he says

Louie Anderson

The ordain minister, hairstylist, spokesman will be filming some national commercials with a big food chain. "I’m Perto Rican and I talk fast,"he says, "So I'll sell those hamburgers." Darvius McCrarx of Family Matters just finished portraying Muhammad Ali in the Don King Story. If you look closely - he resembles a young Ali.

Don't forget to call (702)260-7411 and enter 2437 for some in depth celebrity interviews. Until then tell them Pete sent you!

Asian Market expands to New York, New York

During the last few years, the Asian Community has more than doubled its purchasing power in Las Vegas. During that time gaming revenues have also expanded to an all-new high which will now include New York, New York Hotel and Casino.

Jimmy Hsu, the Executive Director of International Marketing for Boulder Station Hotel and Casino met William Sherlock, President and CEO of New York New York during its media opening this month. "Gaming revenues in the Asian market," he says, "will continue to rise in such games as baccarat and pai gow, but the middle-of-the-road Asian gambler will be an excellent addition to gaming properties such as New York New York."

In our conversation I learned more Asians are employed there than any resort property in Nevada. Hsu knows what he is talking about. He graduated from National Political University where he studied diplomacy and law. His work in the embassy as a consul and his former position as Vice President and Executive Director of Far East Operations at the Dunes Hotel where Beau Rivage is now being constructed, leads me to believe Las Vegas will eventually have one of the largest Asian communities in the United States..

David Hasselhoff at New York, New York

While taking in the sights, I introduced Jimmy Hsu to David Hasselhoff in the Empire Lounge. Hasselhoff said his show Baywatch is on hiatus for a couple of weeks. I asked David - who incidentally is a big fight fan, what he thought about the last fight between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.

"I think that last fight between Holyfield and Tyson gave the world of boxing more credibility. It also helped Don King. We'll see what the future holds," he said.

Some other celebrities in attendance included Vanna White and her husband George Santo Pietro, Branscomb Richmond, Jenny McCarthy, and Jim Belushi among many others.

Times Square in Las Vegas

One of the truly entertaining spots in New York New York is Times Square. Here you can enjoy the ethnic flavor of Chinatown and Little Italy or the nostalgia of Coney Island, including the memories of the Motown era at the Motown Cafe. If that's not enough, you can always take a hair-raising ride on the Manhattan Express roller coaster. I didn't have the nerve to try, so I checked out the arcade - the biggest I've seen yet.

Branscomb Richmond at Hamilton's

Hamilton's, owned by George Hamilton, a high class jazz club which overlooks the New York, New York casino, is a great spot to listen to jazz.

Branscomb Richmond took to the stage with Frances Lee Dowell and had a rollicking good time. He said: "You know music is my first love. So whenever I can take a break from the Renegade series, I come to Vegas."

Incidentally, Branscomb has just finished recording an international CD. I think you'll find it uplifting, handclapping and foot stomping.

New Orleans in Las Vegas too!

The Orleans Hotel and Casino is another great attraction which has been added to the Las Vegas skyline. Located at Tropicana and Arville, Orleans re-creates the ambiance of New Orleans.

Recently, I had dinner there at the Canal Street Grill and met James Payton, the maitre 'd. Mr. Payton has always handled himself in the most professional manner. I would like to congratulate the staff at Canal Street Grill for a job well done. After all, during the time I had dinner with my wife Patricia and Babe Pier, one of Las Vegas' great impressionists, they had only been open four days.

Let me tell you, the swordfish and the jumbo shrimp were out of this world!

Peter on the Air!

We'll see you on the radio! Look for Celebrity Scene On The United Broadcasting Network

Also catch Celebrity Scene on the High Desert Superstations which is KDUC & KSZL California And Hawk Radio in northern California.

Tune to Celebrity Scene News on his & her late night with: Steve Meranda & Debbie Scheffon--KLAV am 1230 from 2-3 A.M. Sunday through Thursday.

Check your local listings for the broadcast in your town!

Until next time, tell 'em Pete sent ya!

James Brown Celebrates his 64th Birthday

 

James Brown, who celebrated his 64th birthday in his home town of Augusta, Georgia, said he has a lot to be thankful for. A star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame" on Vine Street, an exciting performance at this year's Superbowl and a new talk show host friend in Rolanda Watts has provided Brown with new insights.

Yes, you've probably heard if you've read the Enquirer,that they were getting married. That, however, isn't going to happen at the moment. In the interim, Brown's new song, Funk on a Roll, has got the eyes of a few record executives ready to negotiate with Brownstone Records - a company owned by James Brown.

Lary Friday, head of promotions for James Brown Enterprises, located in Augusta, GA, has recently discovered a new rock group called Mother of Two, which, along with Latin diva singer Laurice Monica and romantic singer Roosevelt Johnson and Derrick Monk, look forward to making some new distribution deals in Hollywood. Interested parties may contact James Brown Enterprises in Augusta, GA or their Taluca Lake office in Los Angeles...

The Flamingo Hilton Brings back the Legendary Stars

Las Vegas is undergoing a resurgence of legendary entertainers such as Patti Page and Roy Clark thanks to entertainment directors like Mike Crowley who heads up the Flamingo Hilton entertainment department.

Patti Page's recording of Tennessee Waltz which made music history as the second-best-selling single of all time, is second only to White Christmas Patti will appear June 9th at the Flamingo Hilton with country superstar Roy Clark. Clark, incidentally, is the recent winner of the Pioneer Award from the Academy of Country Music. Showtime is 8pm. Call 702-733-3333 for reservations....

JuneFest All Day Outdoor Blues on June 9

JuneFest, to be held Saturday, June 7th at the Sam Boyd Stadium, promises to be Las Vegas' most successful blues concert. The all-day event will feature national headliners Santana, Bruce Hornsby, Eddie Money, War, John Earl and Boogieman Band and Cosmo's Factory featuring Stu Cook and Doug Clifford (original members of Creedence Clearwater Revival). Early arrival is suggested...

The Sunset Station opens its doors on June 10

Sunset Station is the topic of conversation in the Henderson-Green Valley community. The new casino-hotel complex has set its grand opening for June 10th. Hotel guests may make reservations by calling 1-888-SUNSET-9. A grand opening room rate of $39 per day Sunday through Thursday, will be available throughout the summer.

The design of Sunset Station, located on Sunset is of a Spanish/Mediterranean railroad station. This is a bit different than other "Station" casino peoperties. It will offer five full-service restaurants, a beautiful pool area, a micro brewery restaurant and seven quick-serve facilities, including a stage withan amphitheater for outdoor concerts, events and sand volleyball courts.

Win Dinner and a Night out on the Town!- Enter Peter's "Brush with the Stars" contest

We're looking for celebrity stories. If you have a story involving a celebrity, you might be one of the top 5 winners for dinner and a night out on the town in Las Vegas.

Peter on the Air!

- Peter's on-air schedule

Monday through Friday you can participate with me on Celebrity Scene on the Talk America Radio Network from 9 pm - 3 am by calling 888-822-8255 . Just ask for Pete, Jose or Lori.

We'll see you on the radio! Look for the Talk America Radio Network with Las Vegas Live and Night Light, hosted by Jose & Lori Pino. 9 pm to 3 am Monday thru Friday & Saturday 6 to 7 am with a rebroadcast at 6 - 7 pm, heard locally in Vegas on AM1400 KSHP.

Check your local listings for the broadcast in your town!

Until next time, tell 'em Pete sent ya!

James Brown Recieves Star and promotes the Soul

Say it loud with distinction and say it clear with peaceful thoughts. That's the philosophy of singer-entertainer James Brown. Brown danced the night away when he appeared at the Superbowl last month. Sex Machine was the big hit with the audience.

At just 64 years of age and still keeping up with his funky dance steps, Brown said he was happy to receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this year. In keeping a busy concert schedule, he looks forward to seeing his new CD - Funk on a Roll & Lucky Old Sun hitting the top 10.

Brownstone Records - Brown's label, is also promoting a few discoveries of their own.

Laurie Monica, a powerful Latin diva, has been influenced by Brown's music and recorded Everybody's Doing the Macarena.

Roosevelt Johnson, who has been associated with James Brown for many years, has released Loving You, which was written by Lou Ragland of the Fabulous Ink Spots. May the very best happen for both of these artists.

Ron Holden Jr., - son of the late Ron Holden, who sang I'm a Soul Man, is heading up Brownstone Records.

Good luck to all!

Chin Chin's in New York, New York- Attracts the Stars

Entertainer Lou Ragland and Estella, his wife, recently visited Chin Chin's located in New York New York. Designed in art deco atmosphere, Chin Chin's serves a variety of Chinese dishes which range from $4.25 - $11.95.

Ragland, who has traveled extensively with the world famous Inkspots, said he enjoyed the lemon chicken and fried rice. Just as mouth watering was the presentation of the tomato beef consisting of tomatoes, onions and snow peas with flank steak sauteed in oyster sauce, which Estella enjoyed.

By the way, the Mushu, which is served with a thin pancake encased with eggs, vegetables and chicken is one of my favorite dishes. Chin Chin's has already been visited by such celebrities as singer Paula Abdul, Jenny Garth from Beverly Hills 90210 and Queen Latifah from the TV series Living Single.

Sy Richardson Makes pland to visit Las Vegas

Sy Richardson - the man who wrote Posse and was featured in Repo Man and such flicks as Men at Work with Emilio Estevez, looks forward to visiting Las Vegas and perhaps doing a one-man play at Creative Casting and Acting. Check your theater listings....

Lennox Lewis plans to take out Oliver McCall in five

Boxing champ Lennox Lewis who won his WBC title when he knocked out Razor Ruddock in 1992, has had his share of tough times. In September of 1994, in the second round, the champ had just not been up to par when he caught a right hand from Oliver McCall that sent him to the canvas. Lewis was up immediately and prepared to continue when the referee abruptly ended the fight. Tonight, Lewis plans to take out Oliver McCall by round five. Tickets are priced from $100-$400.

The undercard features welterweight Jose Luis Lopez (37-3-1 - 29 KOs) of Durango, Mexico and Jorge Vaca.

Undercard fights, of which there are 4 others begin at 4:15 pm.Congratulations to Johnny Tocco - one of the great boxing trainers of all time. B&M Promotions is presenting a Night of the Young Guns which is a tribute to Johnny Tocco. Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini is the catalyst behind the event.

Earl Butler (16-8-2 - 7 KOs) will fight Clarence White (17-6 - 12 KOs) for the vacant WBF Super Middleweight championship in a 12 rounder.

Julian Jackson, former WBA Jr. Middleweight and WBC Middleweight champ, will take on James Mason (19-14-1 - 12 KOs), and Lonnie Smith - former WBC Super Lightweight champ will fight Dennis Allen (18-2 - 9 KOs).

Win Dinner and a Night out on the Town!- Enter Peter's "Brush with the Stars" contest

We're looking for celebrity stories. If you have a story involving a celebrity, you might be one of the top 5 winners for dinner and a night out on the town in Las Vegas. Email us at peter@celebrityscene.com and type in Brush with the Stars in the subject heading.

Peter on the Air!

- Peter's on-air schedule

Monday through Friday you can participate with me on Celebrity Scene on the Talk America Radio Network from 9 pm - 3 am by calling 888-822-8255 . Just ask for Pete, Jose or Lori.

We'll see you on the radio! Look for the Talk America Radio Network with Las VegasLive and Night Light, hosted by Jose & Lori Pino. 9 pm to 3 am Monday thru Friday & Saturday 6 to 7 am with a rebroadcast at 6 - 7 pm, heard locally in Vegas on AM1400 KSHP.

Check your local listings for the broadcast in your town!

Until next time, tell 'em Pete sent ya!

Issue 1

Tyson Vs. Holyfield

The world of boxing had its image restored when Holyfield knocked down Mike Tyson in the sixth round. Tyson, however, did get back up, and gave his all throughout the entire fight. In the eleventh round, the dynamic combinations of Holyfield were so devastating that referee, Mitch Helpern, had to stop the fight. Thus Evander Holyfield became the new W.B.A. Heavyweight Champion of the world. Taking his title belt before a crowd of 15,000, it was agreed he fought a very smart fight against Mike Tyson.

Most everyone in the media had expected that the fight would not last more than five rounds and that Tyson was the easy bet. The 11 round event saved Showtime a bundle, as they had agreed to refund a portion of the pay-per-view price, if we had had another 90 second bout.

Julian "The Hawk" Jackson, a former W.B.C. Middleweight Champion, was in attendance . "Holyfield fought a hard technical fight. He's very good against shorter fighters. He used his jab and tied up Mike Tyson when he had to. I truly believe, because of Holyfield's faith in God, that God had given him the encouragement to just go out there and face an awesome fighter like Mike Tyson," said Jackson.

Funky Affair

George Clinton, creator of Funkadelic and Parliment returned to Las Vegas, at the Aladdin theater of the Performing Arts, for an after-fight concert. During the concert, I hung out backstage, and got a chance to see the real circus. Clinton's entourage is a mixture of characters. For example, there was the guy in the diapers going in and out of the motor home. Then there was a strange fellow dressed as a doctor. Clinton has always had someone portraying a doctor in his troupe. Oh, let's not forget those sexy ladies, dressed in minimal attire. In all this craziness, a member of the troupe approached me. He was Louis Babylon Kabobbie, a rap artist who is being produced by Clinton. "I met George in a studio, and we started doing some things, then I started memorizing all these rap songs. Next thing I know, I'm on the road for four and 1/2 years," said Kabobbie.

"What exemplifies George Clinton best?," I asked. "Basically, he's a storyteller. You need to be funky, up on that stage, and George lets everyone do what they do best," said Kabobbie. Check out George Clinton's Greatest Funkin' Hits, on Capitol Records.

Comdex Party

In the Comdex spotlight, Micrografx is sponsoring the Chili for Children Cookoff at the Thomas and Mack Center, on Tuesday the 19th. It's a zesty mix of fun, with chili judging, and armadillo races, all topped off with a 70s revival concert by B.T.O and The Village People. Tickets are $50 for the whole shooting match, or $25 for just the concert. And it all goes to support the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children(NCMEC). For ticket information call 1-800-357-7255, or visit the red hot Chili web page at 'http://www.micrografx.com/chili.html'.

Motown Cafe

Groundbreaking took place for the Motown Cafe Tuesday, Nov 12, in the New York, New York Hotel and Casino. On hand were Governor Bob Miller, Senator Richard Bryan, Mayor Jan Laverty Jones, County Commissioner Elect Lance Malone, and Brian Daneman, the C.O.O. of Motown Café. The Temptations made a surprise appearance with some of their friends in attendance, which included Jack the Rapper, and Gerald Busby from Motown.

Otis Williams, the only original Temptations member alive today ,spoke with me about the resurgence of the Motown Sound. "Naturally, I can't say anything but fantastic. The music that we made back there in the 60s... Here it is thirty years later, and it's just as strong today. To be part of such a heritage and a legacy, it just shows you that music can be timeless, when it's the right kind." said Otis. The Temptations were one of Motown's first acts to win a Grammy. They'll be performing at the Sheraton Desert Inn Crystal Room, Nov 23 - Dec 1.