by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

A good and, by the way, very talented friend sent me an invitation to attend an art gallery presentation of his girlfriend and her son's works of art. So, naturally, I drove over to Gallery Las Vegas, 5115 S. Decatur, to take a look at the paintings and to see my friend, Bill Fayne. For those of you who are not familiar with that name, Bill Fayne is Clint Holmes' conductor and also the founder of "The Fabulous Las Vegas Tenors," who I often refer to as "The Four Tenors."

First off what a beautiful gallery. Thomas Peter, general manager, and Shala Kilmer, president, personally greeted each and every guest as they entered the gallery. Fayne took this writer under his wing, guiding me towards Alex Reiter's pieces of art. The 26-year-old son of Geeske (KC) Van Rijn-Reiter is really a wonderful artist. His works are all done in pencil and the details are outstanding. He calls it "Mind Feed" and if you enter his web page at www.desertotter.com you'll understand more of what he does. He admits it's "way out there" and it is!

However, Mom Reiter's art is easy to like. They are black and white works of celebrities ranging from Holmes to Sinatra. Working in only two colors, black and white, is not an easy task, but, she pulls it off wonderfully. According to her bio her art instructor in Holland (where she was born) believes she has a possible ancestral connection to the great Master Rembrandt (as his last name was also Van Rijn). As I count, KC has finished more than 50 beautiful paintings. Both Alex and his Mom, have prints available. Stop by Gallery Las Vegas and take a look at some of these pieces of art, along with other works on display. I think you'll be glad you did!

Attended a preview showing of a new ballet to be presented on Sept. 4-5, 2007 at Cashman Theater, by the newly formed Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater. Founding Artistic Director, Bernard Gaddis, and co-founder, Charmaine Hunter (the former principal dancer and ballet mistress / rehearsal director of the world famous "Dance Theatre of Harlem,") have gathered a cadre of young volunteers who love to dance. This particular preview was held to help raise local interest in the group, to also let the world know about the goals of the group, and of course collect donations which are eagerly accepted and needed.

Gaddis has danced, directed and/or choreographed for some of the most recognizable names in dance. Some of his personal favorites are: Alvin Ailey, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Philadanco, The Lion King and Cirque du Soleil. He has performed for such notables as Queen Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey and President Bill Clinton and family.

The premiere performance, Sept. 4th will include "Dougla," a contemporary African ballet first premiered by the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1969, and choreographed by the inimitable Geoffrey Holder. Other performances will include four works by Gaddis: "Brethren," "Core," "Therapy" and "Tryst." For more information call the dance company at (702) 878-1227.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: Stopped by the House of Blues the other night to see Las Vegas get "Dirty" as the bad boys of hypnosis, Michael Johns and Terry Stokes, do their thing on the concert stage. The House of Blues is located inside Mandalay Bay and is well known for presenting off-the-cuff type acts on occasion. These two men are very good at hypnosis and prove it every night. My only complaint is I wish they would up-grade the tricks. Tickets may be obtained by calling (702) 632-7600... Also attended the grand opening of yet another dining room and bar, this time within Tahiti Village, located on the corner of Warm Springs and Las Vegas Blvd. South. "Tahiti Joe's" is well laid out and covers nearly all of a second floor of the adjoining building. A private elevator takes you there and right away you enter a different world - you're in a room decorated in the Polynesian spirit. The food that was passed along by beautiful young waitresses was fantastic - especially the beef on a stick. And the bar staff was terrific. I would recommend Tahiti Joe's for an evening out if you are looking for something a little different... Billy Joel will be returning to the MGM Garden Arena Saturday, Nov. 17, with tickets already on sale... As far as I know Beyonce is scheduled for the MGM Garden Arena on Aug. 25th... The Legendary music family, The Osmonds, will reunite on stage at the Orleans Hotel Showroom, Aug. 13-14. They will be celebrating 50 years of Osmond music...

Well, gang, that's about it for another week...

I'm outa here!

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