February 20, 2008

February 20, 2008 / VOL. 3 NO. 06

BARRY’S FIRST
Barry Manilow, who returns to headlining at the Las Vegas Hilton March 5-8 & 12-15, has had many firsts in his legendary career. Question: When was his first network special? Answer: On March 2, 1977, ABC-TV presented Barry's first network special, “The Barry Manilow Special,” to an audience of 37 million. The show won the Emmy Award for "Best Special of the Year" and was followed a year later by his Home Box Office special, taped live in concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, which was the first pay-TV show to seriously challenge network primetime specials in the ratings. For a complete schedule of Barry’s performances at the Las Vegas Hilton, check out www.lvhilton.com.

SCINTAS CALLED ON THE (RED) CARPET
The Scintas will have two members of the group, Frankie and Chrissi, walking the red carpet at one of the Academy-sanctioned events this Sunday at the Arthritis Foundation gala. The Scintas, who perform in the Shimmer Cabaret at the Las Vegas Hilton, took Las Vegas by storm when they arrived several years ago from Buffalo.

MUSIC, OTHER KINDS OF BARS, AND PREDICTIONS
Singer Jimmy Hopper; author and arranger Vincent Falcone; Howard Skolnik, Director of the Nevada Department of Corrections; and economic analyst Jeremy Aguero join Ira on this Monday’s “Lunchtime With Ira, Live from the Las Vegas Hilton.” The show can be seen on Clark County Television (CCTV), Cox cable channel 4 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Noon and 8 p.m., heard on NEWS/TALK 720 KDWN (Saturdays at 9 p.m.), and is available 24/7 at www.lvhilton.com and http://www.vegastalkradio.com/. The show, produced live every Monday at Noon, features host Ira David Sternberg talking with the celebrities, entertainers, writers, personalities and community leaders who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world.

NO DICE? NOT FOR THIS
The $30,000 “Shake Rattle and Roll” Craps Tournament, February 29-March 1, features a four/day, three night stay and a first-place prize of $12,000. Entry fee is $299. For more information, call 1-800-457-3307.

SUPERBOOK SATURDAYS STARTS THIS WEEKEND
The Las Vegas Hilton race book will start its weekly/seasonal horse handicapping contest, “SuperBook Saturdays,” this weekend. Entry fees are $30 each and contestants may enter up to three times. All entry fees plus $500 will be awarded in prize money each Saturday. It’s a chance for handicappers to test their skills against everyday players and the weekend warriors. All details and rules are available in the SuperBook.

NET RESULT=HILTON HOME TO TENNIS CHANNEL OPEN
The Las Vegas Hilton is the host hotel for the Tennis Channel Open, March 3-9. The Open has been in existence since 1986. From 1987-2005, the tournament took place at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, where Las Vegan Andre Agassi was crowned champion four times. The Tennis Channel Open was held for the first time in Las Vegas February 27- March 5, 2006.

LEARNING FROM VALERIE
Valerie Thrower is the games instructor for the Las Vegas Hilton. Her job: providing free information and instruction on the following games (Monday through Friday): 10:30 a.m., craps; 11:30 a.m., baccarat; Noon, roulette; 12:30 p.m. Texas Hold’em (casino version); 2 p.m., blackjack; 3 p.m. craps; 4:15 p.m., Three Card Poker, Let it Ride, Pai Gow Poker.