Whew!  Even though it transpired on May 8th, I’m still beat.  Trying to squeeze-in all of the social obligations thrown at Las Vegas, that evening in early May was a feat I was unable to accomplish.  In truth, I barely made it to three of the four (sorry, Givenchy boutique-opening at Wynn Las Vegas!).

It started, as many things do, up in the Ridges.  There, at the home of Jodi and Andy Fonfa, friends and colleagues were feting Andy’s recent naming to a directorship of First Foundation Bank.  There was a terrific turn-out, and I was delighted to see my on-air partner in radio crime, R&B crooner, producer, and two-time Grammy nominee, Al B. Sure (who, along with Michael Mack, frequently has me as a guest on Las Vegas Live and Pawn Talk Live, on AM 720 KDWN); Lynn and Bill Weidner, and their globetrotting entrepreneur son, James; Ardi Najmabadi, Cari Marshall, Leora and Robert Blau, Jeanne Galindo and Michael Wilkins, Susie Lee, Betsi Steinberg, Doris Cheng, First Foundation Bank CEO/Chairman, Scott Kavanaugh; and Senator Richard Bryan.

There were some yummy looking hors d'oeuvres (Jodi always puts-out a nice spread), but I had no time to linger, as the clock was ticking, and I had to skedaddle down to the Marjorie Barrick Museum at UNLV, where screen and stand-up legend, Jerry Lewis, was having an opening for a collection curated by Michelle Quinn/McQ Art, entitled Painted Pictures.

The affair was pure Las Vegas, mixing young and old, hipster and senior, those new to the game and those bitter, jaded, and over it.  The two things everyone had in common were an admiration of Jerry Lewis, and a strong likelihood to be found dining at Piero’s, at least once each week.  Seen on the scene were my favorite MCs, Sean McClenahan and Michael McGraw, power editrix Melinda Sheckells, Todd-Avery Lenahan, Miles Dickson and Andy Artusa, Champagne impresario Cristina Clifton, Pat Rost and Freddie Glusman (of the previously mentioned Piero’s), and the incomparable Steve Lawrence.

Much of my time was spent gabbing with Freddie and Steve, the latter of whom made a point of thanking me for the heartfelt tribute I’d written upon the passing of his dear wife, Eydie Gorme; and about his recent appearance on CBS’ Two and a Half Men – that was hysterical (picture it: Lawrence, with Carl Reiner, Garry Marshall, and Tim Conway; throwing a geriatric bachelor party!).

Then, just as the official comments were starting, I again was on the go.  This time I was heading up to Dragon Ridge, above and past Anthem, to the spectacular aerie of Diana Bennett; for the annual Fashion for Three Square affair.  But you can read all about that, in Part 2. TTFN!

Jerry Lewis: Painted Pictures
Marjorie Barrick Museum – UNLV
Click HERE for info

Get into it!