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 by
Jacqueline Monahan
jaxn8r@msn.com
Photos by Judy Thorburn
Grease
Meets West at the Italian American Club
On Friday, September 28, Doo Wop in the Desert proudly presented Grease
Meets West, an evening of “Pure Solid Gold”. Four groups rocked the
stage at the Italian American Club on East Sahara: The Beau Jives of
L.A., local favorites The Goodfellas, The Royals of San Diego, and fresh
from New York, The Bronx Wanderers, who had their own private cheering
section in the front row.
This concert venue has been described as looking like “an Italian
wedding, minus the bride.” Tira-misu colored walls feature brocade and
mirrored panels covering most of the sides. A large chandelier hangs
from the ceiling and the carpet is a patterned, muted maroon. The stage
had a backdrop of red velvet curtains and a red drum set sat expectantly
in the middle of it.
The largely baby boomer crowd (average age 45-55), had assembled to bask
in the nostalgia. Strong New York and New Jersey accents could be heard.
Drinks flowed: Manhattans, Mai Tais, and Seven/Sevens were distributed
like fuel to attendees named Vinnie, Paul and Theresa.
When the lights dimmed promptly at 8:00 PM, Entertainment Ambassador of
Las Vegas and guest MC, Tony Sacca took the stage. Looking sharp in a
suit and signature cowboy boots, the fearless Sacca launched into the
classic “Dancing in the Streets” adlibbing some lyrics to include the
words “Doo Wop.” He revved up the crowd, getting them to clap to the
beat. You can be assured of one thing when Sacca’s involved – he gives
100% of himself on stage. The man is all about performing and has the
energy of a group coursing through one body.
Guest MC, Tony Sacca
The Beau-Jives started the evening off with an a cappella number
entitled “So Fine” with lyrics that actually incorporated the words “da
dip, da dip” into the song. They were a trio out of Los Angeles
comprised of what looked like two vintage surfers and one cowboy, who
provided a surprising falsetto to introduce that familiar Doo Wop flavor
for the first time during the evening. They stressed the fact that West
Coast Doo Wop takes place in the playground, not on a street corner, and
that they were proudly representing the region.
The Beau Jives from Los Angeles
The Goodfellas took over the small stage in a big way. Dressed in
colorful gangster attire, they kept the audience bopping in the aisles
with their renditions of golden oldies including Duke of Earl, Only Make
Believe, Save the Last Dance, Tossin’ & Turnin’, and Louis Prima’s
classic Jump, Jive and Wail. They had the added attraction of a
wandering saxophone player who strolled the aisles, never missing a
beat. Tony Sacca joined the group for a slow-dance-inducing number, In
The Still Of The Night. Once in a while, a gangster’s fedora was thrown
from the stage and swiftly found its way onto someone’s head. Giving a
shout out to their hometown, The Goodfellas also performed Viva Las
Vegas and ended their set with a standing ovation. Some points of
interest about these guys: one of the lead singers looks like Wayne
Newton, one looks like Frank Sinatra Jr. and the newest member, Alonzo
Smalls, is the biggest guy of them all. Go figure.
Members of the Goodfellas
Wandering sax, The Goodfellas
A drawing was held during a brief intermission and Sacca, aided by
audience member “Leslie, from the Bronx” awarded four lucky audience
members a Las Vegas clock or an oldies CD package. Sacca graciously
donated and signed all of the clocks. The oldies package was donated
from Sinclair Productions, an affiliate of Doo Wop in the Desert.
Sacca with Doo Wop in the Desert Founder, Donald Riggio
The Royals of San Diego, all in matching black shirts with white side
panels, proceeded to work more a cappella magic. Doo Wop in the Desert
co-founder Stevie Dunham joined the group as first tenor for their set,
and the guys used their astounding vocal instruments to create original
versions of Denise, Santa Catalina, Stand By Me, and Walkin’ in the
Rain. Especially well received was the comedic Long Tall Girl (With a
Little Short Boy). The audience got involved by providing the refrain
for Teenager in Love.
The Royals of San Diego
By the time the headliners took the stage, the house was ready to
rumble. The Bronx Wanderers (Yo Vinny, Dino, Vinny the Kid, and Nick)
rocked the house with such classics as Don’t Know Why I Love You, Donna
the Prima Donna, Sea Cruise, Lovers Who Wander, and the theme song from
A Bronx Tale. They’ve worked with Dion and Chazz Palminteri. They
performed a nostalgic rendition of the instrumental Sleepwalk that got
couples rushing up to the stage only to dance slowly with each other.
The Bronx Wanderers
Lead singer, Yo’ Vinny, described New York nights, when young Italian
men could be heard serenading their girls (Hey Marie! Get in the freakin’
car!). Loaded with charisma, Yo’ Vinny led his band, including his two
sons on keyboards and drums through The Bronx has Been Good To Me, To
Spend One Night With You, Cara Mia, and the collaborative Runaround Sue,
joined by Tony Sacca, The Royals and The Goodfellas. That was supposed
to be the big finish, but the audience didn’t want the fun to stop, so
another song was added for the large ensemble with the refrain “hug my
radiator” pronounced “radd–ee-ator” for true flavor.
And then it was all over, and we were once again in a new millennium,
grateful to the singers who could summon such a musical time machine so
convincingly.
Tony Sacca joins The Royals, The Goodfellas and The Bronx Wanderers
onstage for the big finish
I Doo Wop, doo you?
About Doo Wop in the Desert:
Donald Riggio, Stevie Dunham, Rich Rosen, and Marv Kaminsky co-founded
Doo Wop in the Desert, a Las Vegas organization made up of fans of Rock
And Roll music focusing on the years between 1954 and 1963. This era
encompasses the glory days of what is called “Doo Wop” or “Street Corner
Harmony.” These guys pledge to do their best to serve the needs of Doo
Wop fans by providing them with information and events of interest to
them. They are preserving a national treasure, one that’s uniquely
American. Let’s help them out by spreading the word and showing support
for local music makers who are making us a present of our past for the
future.
DON’T “fuhget about it!”
For further information and upcoming events, please visit:
Doo Wop in the Desert
http://www.doowopinthedesert.com
(702) 454-4229
http://www.celebritymeetandgreet.com/goodfellasbandorderpage.html
http://www.doowopstop.com
http://www.sdroyals.com
http://www.thebronxwanderers.com
The Italian American Club
2333 E. Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 457-3866
Near NE corner of Sahara and Eastern
“Bling”
Sundays at Du Barry’s in Pioneer Square
On Sunday, September 23, Du Barry Fashions held an inaugural reception
to showcase its merchandise, incorporating live music with champagne and
hors d’oeuvres. Members of the press were given a 50% storewide
discount, including clearance items. Your humble correspondent grabbed a
white basket and started filling it as intently as a truffle hog would
hunt for its precious prize, or a pirate would loot a rival ship.
If you’ve never been there, prepare to be awestruck. The place almost
doesn’t need electrical lighting for the sparkly crystals and
rhinestones adorning nearly every shelf and wall space.
Acres of jewelry twinkle in every color of the rainbow. Styles shapes
and textures vary. Metals, glass and crystal facets in pins, rings and
necklaces cast prismatic reflections galore. Let the sun touch the
store’s interior and you will go blind from the sheer dazzle.
The fashions are to die for. Formal gowns, boas, beaded tops, silks,
satins, laces, leathers, beads, mesh and fringe seduce you from there
saucy displays. If you are not shaped like the dress, don’t even try to
imagine yourself in one of these. They scream sex appeal, decadence and
nightclub glamour of long lost days. I saw endless variations of color
in lemon, eggplant purple, celery, scarlet, black, and ivory. These are
creations that you could imagine yourself gliding down an ornate
staircase in before bursting through double doors and “making an
entrance.”
You say you want watches? Cigarette cases? Necklaces? Earrings? Tiaras?
Bracelets? (clasp, bangle or stretch to fit)? Do you want your watches
on a chain? Key chain? Pin? Don’t forget your ankles. There’s bling for
them too and toe rings by the score for that full body sparkle.
Hats and purses and tops, oh my! Hung on the wall, the hats are every
shape color and fabric imaginable. You’ll be ready for church, the
opera, or a stroll in the park. Handbags range from metallic in all
shades, to sequined softies and plastic see-through versions. Pucker
tops by the bushel fill an outside bin – those tops that look like they
could fit a teacup Yorkie, but stretch to accommodate most women. There
are flip flops and large canvas totes out there, too, keeping a rack of
skirts and boas company. Gypsy coin jewelry is draped seductively on one
whole black velvet display case. Shiny crystal headbands and
ring/bracelet combinations have an East Indian feel but are constructed
of rhinestones for a unique twist.
Racks of elegant party wear and After-Five couture compete with displays
of exotic body decorations like chain mail collars and coin belts for
the female form. Sexy body coverings of all types and fabrics beckon the
buying into possibly investing in a first-time bustier. Elegant perfume
bottles and large mod-style rings take up counter display space at the
register.
Funky fashionistas can also find plenty to cover themselves in. There
are lime green eyelashes, chunky fabric bracelets, thick necklaces
worthy of a Mr. T’s blessing, and watches that looked as if they posed
for Salvador Dali before they became available. Playboy jewelry is
featured prominently on its own display table, bunny ears galore. Baby
Phat merchandise is featured as well with its tiny signature teddy bears
cleverly hidden amid the highlights.
Du Barry will dazzle and spark the imagination. It is a refreshing
retreat of a place that remembers what it’s like to get dressed up in an
increasingly denim and flip-flop world. Strappy metallic sandals and
wedges made of cork and canvas are just some of the party shoes for
those who sail right through the night until dawn with a martini in
their hand.
Prices range from as low as $1.00 into the many hundreds for a leather
fringed skirt or silk formal gown. These are one of a kind finds that
you won’t see duplicated at your next outing. There are men’s
accessories as well: silk ties, cuff links, money clips, key chains,
watches and flasks (for that anytime Happy Hour).
Owners Derek David and Rita Bliss provide hors d’oeuvres and champagne
while Derek’s talented band the Bling Quartet entertains the assembled
bargain hunters. Smooth-voiced David is also the lead singer of The
Platters (now appearing at the Sahara). Musical selections include
Motown favorites as well as jazz and swing standards. Occasional guest
artists will join the band on future Sundays.
The lovely Rita Bliss is able to model the fabulous fashions with ease
(and does so in the store’s brochure). I can’t think of a better Sunday
venture than traipsing among jewels whether it’s on clothes, shoes or
loose piles of shiny treasure, surrounded by Bliss and Bling.
Owner Rita Bliss - David (right) with daughter Shirley
Du Barry Fashions - Pioneer Square
3375 S. Decatur Store #14
Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 257-6085
Open 7 days a week
10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Bling Sundays from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM featuring Derek David and the Bling
Quartet
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