By Pete Allman

 Planet Hollywood Makes Las Vegas History

Over 100 stars graced the carpet at the grand opening of Planet Hollywood on the Las Vegas Strip recently. It was historic because there were more than 3,000 fans around the red carpet, and it was the largest gathering of celebrities for a hotel opening in the city’s history. Media from all over the world attended.

Robert Earl, the co-chairman of the resort-casino, also held a private performance by Jon Stewart in the Mezz Theater, followed by entertainers Bruce Willis and his band, along with D.J. DMC and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. There was also a private performance by Barbara Streisand, with special guest Kevin Pollack at the Planet Hollywood Theater. Another private performance featured legendary group Earth, Wind and Fire, along with singer and rapper Sugar Ray.

Other celebrities included Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Danny Glover, Martin Sheen, James Caan, Tom Arnold, Andre Agassi, Ashton Kutcher, Luke Perry, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, George Wallace, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Demi Moore, Danny DeVito, Pamela Anderson, Charlie Sheen, Gene Simmons, a more than 100 others.

Actors Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito


Actor-musician Bruce Willis


Actor Danny Glover


Actors Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis


Actors-dancers Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi

 Patrick Swayze Speaks on Autism  

Patrick Swayze was one of the stars at the grand opening weekend of Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas recently.

Everybody remembers “Dirty Dancing” with Patrick Swayze, who played dance instructor Johnny Castle in that movie. What many don’t know is that Patrick’s mother, Patsy Swayze, was a choreographer and dance instructor. It was through her touch of the human hand that enabled her to help autistic children. She found that the music and dancing helped improved the condition of the children.

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder characterized by impaired communication and restricted social interaction, and it affects one out of 150 children worldwide according to government statistics.

Swayze and his wife, actress Lisa Niemi, both support actress Jennie McCarthy and her autism foundation.

“We are in support of anyone helping children for their future; whether it be autism or any other disease,” said Swayze.


 Rap Star E40 Helps Kids  

Rap star E40, who recently celebrated his 40th birthday at the Poetry Club inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip, likes to help kids — his way.

“You got to hook the kids instead of preaching to them. Nobody wants to be preached to,” said E40.

He was raised in a Christian family environment and believes that his success is due to his upbringing.

“A lot of people just don’t know what it is to be poor. A lot of times, the reason kids get in trouble is because they see other kids with all the luxuries, so they figure a way to get it themselves. That’s when they end up in jail,” E40 said.

A resident of Vallejo California, E40 is working with other artists to support youth organizations that motivate and guide children using music.


 Travalena Guest Stars on ‘700 Club’

Impressionist Fred Travelena recently appeared at the Sun Coast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and will soon guest star on Pat Robertson’s “700 Club.” Travelena, who not only performs impressions but also sings them in skits, such as the “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” is also a survivor of prostate cancer.

According to him, it was only by the grace of God and his Christian doctor that he survived this ordeal.

“This is one of the reasons I share my story of surviving cancer on shows, such as the ‘700 Club.’”

One of the most memorable impersonations by far is his singing impression of Sammy Davis Jr. In this part of the show, he displays a television clip of himself performing with the late legendary singer. It’s awesome and just one of the many surprises Travelena shares with his audience during his shows.


 TAKE 1 Features Afternoon Jazz  

Take 1 Nightclub and Restaurant now features jazz on Sunday afternoons from 2 to 5. The club is located in the East Fremont Entertainment District on Seventh and Fremont Streets, and it is the first one to provide entertainment under Mayor Oscar Goodman’s newly developed entertainment venue. Take 1 also features dinner shows on Friday and Saturday with artists, such as Bobby Rose, a blues favorite from Chicago. There is a poetry entertainment night on Thursday and the ever-popular afternoon jazz on Sundays. Drummer Larry Wildrice, formerly married to Dinah Washington, heads up the afternoon jazz sessions.

Randy Thomas on keyboards has worked with Joe Pass, among many other notables. Bass player Dick Traut worked with Henry Mancini, Connie Stevens, Frank Sinatra and Robert Goulet. This is certainly an impressive lineup for an afternoon jazz session.

Often, special guest artists sit in, such as Sid the Kid, a wonderful saxophonist who played with Bobby Blue Bland.

Ben Aridito, former jazz club aficionado and concert promoter from Florida, is the proprietor of Take 1. For more information, call 433-8253.

Pete Allman is a Las Vegas-based commentator, broadcast personality and celebrity interviewer. He also produces inspirational messages for television and other media.