The schedule over past several weeks has been like holding a balloon, then letting it loose to spin free. In this instance, the balloon is called “June.” I’m not going to ask, “Where did the month go?” because I know, it is in the recent past. Some highlights of the month past:
Perez packs a punch
He packs a room, too. Vegas native Franky Perez and the All Nighters drew a near-capacity crowd for his no-cover premiere at Treasure Island on Thursday night.
Perez is back Thursday in this weekly series, the first live-music residency ever in the venue. The cost going forward $25, all-in, general-admission. Again, his show takes Mystere Theater when “Mystere” is dark. The venue is Treasure Island Theater when Perez plays, and he nearly filled the 1,500-seat room in his opener.
We knew Perez would be ready for this show and he was. The 52-year-old showman and his nine-piece backing band mixed selections from his killer latest album, “D’Amelo,” with inspired covers. Prince’s “Darling Nikki,” a holdover from previous shows; and The Beatles’ “Blackbird” were in Perez’s custom arrangements. The showgirl-costumed backing dancers filled the stage with feathers and flair. We even had a grooving solo from the peerless trombone practitioner Kevin Mullinax.
Perez commits, completely, every time out. This is not news. He’s done everything he can, including an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” We’re tracking word of a return visit.
Perez has done all he can to light a fire with his showman-styled, Vegas-tinged production. Now it’s up the entertainment community and Treasure Island guests (I refer to them as the “secondary market” for a show like this) to turn out. I can’t tell you how many boffo premieres I’ve covered over the years. The indicator for success is not opening night. It’s next Thursday, and the Thursday after, when there is a (nominal) entry fee.
If you want top-line entertainment at great value, here it is. Consider yourself notified.
Recurring concepts
“Bolero — The Show” at Plaza Showroom drew a big, excited, dancing audience in its premiere at the hotel on June 20. This is the Latin-Caribbean inspired revue headed up by Venezuelan singer-songwriter Adan Alejandro and Colombian dance star Jenny Bolivar. Mexican artist Enrique Lugo is director-choreographer; we got to know him in the late-2000s during “Fashionistas” at Krave/Harmon Theater just off the Strip.
Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel says the show blew his mind, and he was impressed by the turnout and crowd response. The exec says he would love to do one or two nights a month with ‘Bolero.”
Down at South Point Showroom, the hustlin’ magician Murray Sawchuck posted strong numbers in his “Hairlarious Deceptions” show June 20-21. Sawchuck has been headlining in Las Vegas, in residencies and limited engagements, for more than two decades. He knows how to work the format and the schedule to keep himself in play.
South Point Entertainment Director Michael Libonati says he would like this show, and more variety-themed productions, in rotation with the hotel’s strong live-music programming. The Righteous Brothers, Bronx Wanderers and Human Nature anchor South Point Showroom’s ongoing productions. Gabie Lopez starring in the Gloria Estefan show “Turn The Beat” is July 7-8. This is the busiest ticketed showroom it the city, running 6-7 nights a week.
They got talent
The Fontainebleau mentalist couple “Mind 2 Mind” and Vegas singer Mackenzie Sol are still alive on “America’s Got Talent” series, in its 21st season on NBC. James Harrington and Mariana Liani advanced past last week’s auditions. Sol, who has performed at Easy’s Cocktail Room at Aria, earned a Golden Buzzer from Mel B. The vocalist moves straight to the live shows.
What Works in Vegas
Vegas headliners at Myron’s. Two inspired shows from the past month: Christine Shebeck’s 1980s revival June 10, followed by Michelle Johnson’s Juneteenth “Freedom” show. There are no duds in this venue.
The room is dark through most of July for backstage renovations and rehearsals for the Las Vegas youth production “Camp Broadway.” The Lon Bronson Band is back July 24, and (easy prediction) will sell out.
Cool Hang Alert
A Righteous Brother and righteous individual, Bucky Heard, headlines “Let Freedom Ring” at 6 p.m. (doors and dinner) and 8 p.m. (show) at Italian American Club Showroom. Linford Twins, late of “AGT,” and comic Paul Green co-star. Heard is rolling with rock classics from Chuck Berry and Elvis, through covers of Ray Charles, the Doobie Brothers, Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Charlie Daniels Band. To to IACVegas.com for intel.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.