There was some new musical numbers with singing and dancing to sultry and sexy tunes. Carole Montgomery continueed to emcee and crack up the audiences. She's been with the show for four years. They've been dubbed Las Vegas' Sexiest Topless Revue and the show has won Best Showgirls twice in media polls. As of 2000, Crazy Girls was the sixth longest running show in Las Vegas right behind Frank Marino's An Evening at La Cage. Tickets were $21.95 plus tax & fee.

In January of 2001, Mc Carran Airport's VidiAd rejected the Riviera's video commercial for its Crazy Girls show, claiming it revealed too much flesh and used the word "topless." Director of Advertising and Public Relations George Staresinic had to quickly re-edit an already expensive commercial.

Also in January of 2001, Frank Marino visited Debbie Reynolds after her show, and magician Steve Wyrick visited Marino's show. Please click here to read about the visit.

Also during this month, Crazy Girls were voted Best Showgirls for the second year in a row by up to 250,000 tourists in the 2000 Tourist Top Choice Las Vegas Entertainment Awards, as well as Frank Marino being voted Best Female Impersonator by Entertainment Today's Top Tourists' Choice Award.

For people who wanted to attend Riviera's Super Bowl Party, 2001, and wanted a skybox, there was a $500 surcharge, plus the price of the patron's group's tickets, the Riviera provided the patrons with a private bartender, servers, and network feeds on two TVs with VCRs in their own Skybox.

"Our state-of-the-art skyboxes were completed last October, in time for those with special November COMDEX parties in mind. The boxes then became available for future special concerts, the Riviera Super Bowl Party and various other convention bookings.

These high-tech venue accommodations are the wave of the future. - Bob Vannucci, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Entertainment

On January 28, 2001, Riv's Superbowl Party took place with former Chicago Bear Hall of Fame Running Back Gale Sayers, former Oakland Raider Defensive Great Ben Davidson, former L.A. Ram Legendary Quarterback Roman Gabriel, & former All-Pro Running Back Wendell Tyler. Also appearing were the St. Louis Rams cheerleaders, complete with a marching band. There were drawings for valuable sports memorabilia including autographed helmets, jerseys and footballs. The cost was $115.

The genius behind all the Riviera parties (Super Bowl, La Cage anniversary, etc.), is Executive Chef Robert Gartz.

In January of 2001, John Neeland stated that Steve Schirripa who is in HBO's The Sopranos, and David Spade's movie See Spot Run, started as a bouncer at the Vegas' disco, The Brewery, then climbed the Riviera's corporate ranks to becoming an actor.

The movie 3000 Miles to Graceland opened on February 23, 2001.

In February, 2001, Crazy Girls were chosen as the only showgirls to ever do public service announcements on the moving walkway with safety announcements at McCarran International Airport. They promoted Nevada Tourism Week during May, 2001, at McCarran International Airport with their messages.

You may hear their voices in unison when walking through the air terminal at the airport. Heed their warning when you hear the words "No, Ifs, Ands, or...". McCarran is one of the world's busiest airports, about 39 million people come and go annually and employs over 10,000 individuals.

In March, 2001, Riviera gave a thank you gift and as an expression of appreciation for over 15 years of successful business at the Riviera. Frank Marino received a call from his producers letting him know they were going to give him up to $100,000 to spend on a "car of his choice." Marino was shocked to say the least! He purchased a Designer Edition 2001 Cadillac DeVille at a cost of $75,000.

"I couldn't believe it! I immediately called my good friend, Peter Watson, at Cadillac of Las Vegas West, who ordered for me a custom car that no one else in the world would have, complete with a faux convertible roof, gold wheels and enough ornaments to give the "neon jungle," in which we live, a run for its money. My motto is: Whoever said money can't buy happiness . . . just doesn't know where to shop." - Frank Marino

Also in March, 2001, Riviera announced that the World's Fare Buffet had undergone extensive renovation and would re-open on April 19, 2001.

In March of 2001, Steven Wayne who impersonated Celine Dion and Cher in An Evening At La Cage went through painstakingly accurate tattoo procedures to become the illusion of Cher. Click Here to see the pictures. WARNING: These pictures contain male rear nudity. If you are offended by this, do not click on this link.

In April 2001, Crazy Girls appeared on the Neptune show, on Japan's Fuji Network. Neptune is Japan's version of Saturday Night Live. Over 2 million viewers in Japan saw the Harley-Davidson inspired opening of Crazy Girls as they performed it in front of the statute at the Riviera. Crazy Girl Andrea Guevara did an interview with The Highway Stations so that the travelers coming and leaving Vegas get the latest buzz on the show. Crazy Girl Guevara was featured on Phil Keoghan's Adventure Crazy on Discovery International, and Tammie Rankin was featured in an issue of Complete Woman.

On April 13, 2001, the Splash cast visited Child Haven to bring a little early Easter cheer to the youngsters there. The cast members were on hand to provide some entertainment and present additional donations made by the Riviera. This visit coincided with the delivery of donations gathered through FOX 5's "Take Five for Kids" program. FOX delivered to the Haven, diapers, baby food, formula, clothes, toiletries, candy, toys and other gifts gathered during the months of March and April. The entire corner of the pavilion in which Splash was to perform was filled with stuffed animals & toys, clothing, diapers & baby food, and boxes of personal items. There were shampoos, lotions and soaps for the teenagers and toys for the littler ones donated by the Riviera, Coca Cola products were provided by Splash's sister company, Mardi Gras Food Court, pizza and doughnuts from Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and Krispy Kreme. Entertainment was provided by the Splash dancers, and the Easter Bunny.

During their visit to Child Haven, KR Entertainment announced plans to dedicate a special performance of Splash to help raise funds for the shelter. Their mission was to raise $15,000 via proceeds from the Sunday, July 1, 2001, 7:30pm performance. This was a special covered show allowing children as young as five years of age to attend. Tickets to this performance of Splash were $60 (inclusive of all taxes, fees, and a drink) per ticket. Special child-price tickets, for those 12 years of age and under, were $30 (inclusive of all taxes and fees) per ticket. For those who purchased adult admission to this special performance of Splash but may not have the time to attend, special arrangements were made through which tickets were donated to Child Haven residents to attend the show. Proceeds from every single ticket sold, no matter who used them, went toward achieving the goal of raising $15,000 for Child Haven.

Star Transit transported the cast in conjunction with TransAd, a Nevada corporation specializing in the selling and servicing of various forms of transit advertising.

Also in April of 2001, it was announced that Splash was undergoing a change. Splash is in a market (Las Vegas) that has a 70% repeat rate, and as such, this commitment to continual change has been key to Splash's now near 15 year run.

From April 9-14, 2001, Jeff Fleming assumed the role of Caiaphais in The Passion Play of Las Vegas' production of He's Alive at the Riviera, who has been the host of these plays since 1997. Fleming's long list of credits include Funny Girl, Oliver, Once Upon A Mattress, as well as leading roles in The Sound of Music, A Christmas Carol, and Inherit the Wind. There was no admission charge, however seats were first come, first served.

On April 19, 2001, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the nation's leading industry-based, non-profit AIDS fund-raising and grant making organization held their benefit at the Riviera with the cast members from the national touring company of Fame. Frank Marino hosted the event. Doors opened at 11:00pm, Show time was 11:30pm. Admission was free, but a $10 donation was suggested.

On April 19, 2001, Riv's World's Fare Buffet opened. The unique dining experience featured five themed stations: Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Bar-B-Que and "Made In America." The entire room was gutted to make way for brand new carpeting, earth tone tiles, wood paneling with wood-beams crossing the room, revealing a high-vaulted ceiling. New furniture added to the cozy, friendly atmosphere.

"Everything is upscale, including the menus. The Riviera has gone all out to bring food fans some of he best entrees on The Strip. Besides the many steak and chicken dishes at our American, Mexican, Barbecue and Italian stations, our Chinese area will offer various Lo Mein plates, daily specialty plates, as well as the favorite cha shu pao, spring rolls, mini-egg rolls, vegetable stir fry and pork pot stickers." - Executive Chef Robert Gartz

On June 16-17, 2001, Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductions are taking place. The wrestlers will be staying at the Riviera.

In June of 2001, just days before Splash's Child Haven Benefit, KR Entertainment gave thanks to community members who contributed to the campaign thus far: The Beasley Broadcasting sister stations KJUL, KKLZ, and KSTF, and the electronic billboard company ESCN; To-A-Tee for designing & supplying T-shirts for the event, and purchasers of tickets including Ad America, Anderson Dairy, Arthur Anderson LLP, Best Read Guide, attorney Bob Russell, Cashman Photo Enterprises, Eller Taxi Media, ESCN, FFE Display Services, Fun City Distribution, Haney, Woloson & Mullins, Household Bank, Mobile Billboards of Las Vegas, Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix, Lycoria Publishing Co., Paul S.J. Ogaz Co., Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, Riviera Hotels & Casino, ShowBiz Weekly, Skyword Mktg, Trans Ad, and What's On Magazine.

During this time Riviera issued their second gift catalog. Call them toll free at 877-535-5335, or visit their site to see the selection of items for sale.

In June of 2001, I was given a picture of Riviera's Ristorante Italiano. This upscale though informal restaurant has a room-length mural of Venice streets and canals greeting visitors as they enter. A beamed, dark wood ceiling and faux-brick walls decorated with greenery and Renaissance paintings.

Ristorante features homemade pasta dishes such as conchiglia pescatori (sea shell pasta with clams, scallops, shrimp, calamari and mussels), fettuccine a la yongole (baby clams sauteed with a choice of red, white or primavera sauce), and linguini con pesto (tossed with fresh basil, garlic, fresh Italian tomatoes and pinenuts) to name a few. Other specialties are veal chops stuffed with spinach and gorgonzola cheese, chicken breast with prosciuto ham and roasted garlic sauce, and broiled salmon topped with a fresh tomato marinade. Long-time house favorites include lobster fra diavolo, veal parmesan, three-meat lasagna and the fresh catch of the day. Ristorante also features an array of hot and cold appetizers, spinach and Caesar salads prepared at the table, antipastos, and a dessert cart.

In July of 2001, An Evening At La Cage not only announced the opening of their own website but also of the chat involved.

"I think we are the first to do this. The cast of La Cage got together and bought a website with its own chat room! We chat ever night before the first and before the second show. Every night except our dark night, Tuesday, you can find us on line talking with our fans." The chat room is hosted by nbci.com and the web page was created by good friend of the show, Michael Cornelius. Everyone is welcome to join our chat room. The address is http://www.liveatlacage.com. After we are in makeup, rarin' to get on stage, it gives us that extra special 'something,' like an impetus, to get the adrenaline flowing. Chatting with fans and then going on stage, it'll soon be the rage. Everyone will start doing it." - Jimmy Emerson, An Evening At La Cage

On July 26, 2001, Frank Marino celebrated his 20th year in the business by shooting all new publicity pictures. These pictures were donated by John Neeland. There is also a poster showing all the faces of Frank Marino - also donated by John Neeland.

Employee Appreciation Day took place with 2,561 team members, their families and friends at Wet 'n Wild. Executive Chief Robert Gartz reported 3,000 hot dogs, 3,000 burgers, and 3,000 tacos were consumed as well as 100 6-foot hoagie sandwiches and 2,500 ice cream bars. Over 1,500 gallons of soda were consumed.

Also in July, it was reported that Riviera's bowling team was in fourth place in the Summer Monthly No Tap League which plays at Sam's Town Bowling Center. Pictured are is Gary Poh (slots-change), Jackie Poh (Gary's wife & team captain), Jim Hagen (slots supervisor), Sherry Moss (cage cashier), and Joe Corral (pit).

During this month Bill Westerman announced the appointment of Major General USAF (Ret) Paul A. Harvey to the Board of Directors. General Harvey was a consultant to the gaming hotel and resort industry and served as Chairman of the Board of the National Center for Responsible Gaming. He has a business degree from Miami University of Ohio and an MBA from Central Michigan University. General Harvey spent 32 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force where he held numerous command positions throughout the U.S., Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He flew 160 combat missions in Vietnam and Southeast Asia before retiring in 1993. He was the Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission from 1993 through 1998 before becoming President and CEO of Signatures Works, Inc., which is the largest employer of blind and visually impaired people in the world. That company merged with LCI, Inc., and he currently sits on the Board of Directors of LC Industries.

Click Here for a map of the 9th lady of the Strip which I obtained in July, 2001.

From August 17-25, 2001, Riviera hosted the amateur tournament in the sport of pocket billiards. The American Poolplayers Association held its annual National Team Championship with more than 10,000 players battling for more than $750,000 in guaranteed cash and prizes during the $500,000 Camel 8-Ball National Team Championships, $100,000 Molson 9-Ball National Team Championships and APA MiniMania tournaments. In addition to the amateur championships, players from around the country got a chance to compete with some of the top pro players in the game during the Camel Ladies Night and Camel 8-Ball Classic Pro-Am exhibitions. The winner of the Open Division of the Came 8-Ball took home $25,000 1st place prize money. The 1st place team in the Molson 9-Ball received $15,000, while the 1st place team in the Ladies Division took home $10,000.

The APA had the largest membership of any pool organization with more than 185,000 members at year-end 2000. The APA pays out more than $1 million in annual guaranteed cash and prizes.

In August of 2001, Strictly Slots magazine finished counting the votes in their first annual readers' poll and Riviera came in first for Best Nickel Slots In Las Vegas. The results of all the category voting was published in the October National Edition.

Also in August, 2001, Frank Marino co-hosted a Madonna look alike contest with Survivor star Susan Hawk. Click Here to read the story.

At 11:00am on Friday, August 31, 2001, Eldon Harmon of Phoenix, Arizona won the Quick Pick 7 game to the tune of $100,000. Every hour on the hour 10:00am through 9:00pm, seven random numbers were posted on the Quick Pick 7 board located in the casino's Nickel Town area. Recently married, Harmon and his new bride Sherry, planned on taking a second honeymoon to Catalina. Pictured are VP of Slot Operations Dave Kosinski, Harmon, and Executive Director of Casino Marketing Paulette Poyneer.

"I also plan on paying my credit card bills and perhaps consider a new automobile. This is just incredible. I don't think it's sunk in yet. I am in a state of shock." - Eldon Harmon

On September 14, 2001, Riviera opened the second floor of its Mardi Gras Plaza from 11:00am to 6:00pm for anyone who wanted to pay respects to the victims of the attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001. Riviera had a non-denominational chaplain on hand to periodically conduct prayers throughout the day.

Crazy Girls Rayma Alfred and Kelly Adkins sold papers at the Boulevard Mall to raise funds for the Firefighters and Police Officers Relief Funds.

Jo Anne Worley appeared at the Riviera for its Celebrity Slots Tournament and went to La Cage. Click Here to read the story.

In October 2001, Joe Trammel aka "The Man of a Thousand Faces" had the dubious distinction of being the first man to ever perform in Crazy Girls as its 14 anniversary hit at the Riviera. See the Crazy Girls page for more information.

Also In October 2001, Riviera closed her poker rooms which was one of the oldest in Vegas, and subsequently laid off 20 dealers and supervisors. One reason was financial losses and fallout from the September 11th terrorist attacks. The room was remodeled to expand its high-limit slot area.

It was reported that the room wasn't making money. The poker room at the Bellagio has become the top on the Strip. Local players choose to play at off-Strip casinos like The Orleans, Sam's Town and four Station Casino properties.

From December 7 through December 24, 2001, Splash was dark to allow for work on the production's stage, sets, ice rink, lighting, and the show itself. During this period, annual maintenance work on the show's technical systems was performed. Known for its high-tech production elements such as bold and imaginative set design and a laser light show unlike any other, this temporary closure of Splash was crucial to assuring its mechanical components were in tip-top shape.

This included the compressor that kept frozen Splash's custom-designed 35'x15' ice rink, and the video walls featured prominently in the show's multitude of high-energy numbers with choreography calling for everything from street to jazz to classical dance. This break also allowed time to recondition and repair the show's costumes designed by Stephen Yearick. Last but not least, this period gave the entire cast a two-week holiday to rest.

Bernie Allen appeared at the Riviera during Thanksgiving week (11/26-12/2). Allen had been a staple on the Strip playing for the past three decades at Sands, Caesars Palace, Sahara and Riviera. Once known as Staff Sergeant Bernard Kleinberg during World War II with the 423rd anti-aircraft outfit, Allen hoped some of his buddies would contact him and come see him at his Riviera engagement. Allen stated that he lost track of his buddies, many of which were from Union City, New Jersey, when he was wounded in action in France on July 18, 1944. If any of his buddies had read this, Allen invited them to be his guest during his engagement.

"You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing!" - Bernie Allen

In October of 2001, John and Nancy Lewis from N. For Myers, Florida was playing a $25 reel slot machine for a few minutes when they hit a $16,000 jackpot. Totally surprised Nancy said "This is the biggest jackpot we ever won. Much will go into our savings."

Also in October of 2001, Daniel Collins, on vacation from Somerset, PA, won $10,000 in a matter of minutes on a Black Gold reel slot machine. "I am in a state of shock! I put in only $5 before the symbols lined up. I plan on having fun with the winnings." - Daniel Collins

On November 9, 2001, the first fully interactive multi-kiosk workgroup on the Strip was unveiled at the Riviera Convention Center. TouchNSurf, had been selected as the provider for this 5 kiosk workgroup termed "Internet Corner & More", which provided the hardware and their propriety software which consisted of a user-friendly interface enabling users to check/receive web based or pop email, surf the web, send video email, print web and email content to laser printers, and many other accessible features.

The units consisted of one stand up unit embedded in a column structure, and 4 modular sit down cubicle units with space for two occupants and vast desk space next to the keyboard and mouse. These modular cubicles are seamlessly arranged to make a community of kiosks for convention attendee use. The kiosks were connected to a T-1 circuit, which provided high-speed Internet access. Two high quality Laser printers, a color and a black & white, were placed in the Business Center where users can conveniently pick up printed web content.

The kiosks were self sustained terminals that alleviated the need for personnel to manage them. Furthermore, local rebooters and remote monitoring software both minimized downtime, by ensuring the units were functioning properly, and provided updated software versions and content to the kiosks. This feature provided in depth real-time web reporting that furnished details on kiosk usage. This is another key factor that owners of kiosks like the Riviera found useful and attractive.

The interface included an on-screen agent who assisted and guided users through each session. Cash, credit card, or Surf Points can initiate each session. Surf Points are TouchNSurf's user loyalty program, which enabled users to earn points as they use the kiosk. Accumulated points could be redeemed for free usage time. Once online, users activated the main interface, which provided several different options, including email, video email, stocks, sports, news, weather, entertainment, games, chat, shopping, travel, plus many more options. Any of these links take users to a submenu, which provided links to some of the more popular sites within that category. Users could send text and/or full motion audio/video emails without the requirement of having their own email address. Brian Benschneider, V.P. of Operations for the Riviera, and the visionary who foresaw the Internet Corner & More idea, chose TouchNSurf for a number of reasons.

"TouchNSurf has developed an interface that is conducive to any user. From the novice internet user who may require some assistance overcoming their fears of the Internet, to the experienced user who wants to complete his/her tasks quickly and efficiently, TouchNSurf has covered the whole gamut." - Brian Benschneider

Riviera was the first hotel or convention center in Vegas to implement multiple self sustained Internet terminals.

"By employing such a valuable application, Riviera has demonstrated their cognizance of their convention attendees' needs. Through much research and development, we have determined what traveler communications needs are; thus, we have packaged a comprehensive software that will eradicate the necessity of laptops for business travelers; and more importantly, circumvents the burden of locating an internet connection. This solution provides quick and easy high speed internet access at a very affordable cost." - Shervin Rashti, CTO of TouchNSurf

Analogous to the evolving nature of the Internet, TouchNSurf was progressing with technological advancements. One such example is TouchNSurf's process patent pending solution to providing Voice over Internet Protocol phone called on Internet kiosks. Until now, this technology had been inferior in quality to traditional Telco calls; however, TouchNSurf developed a near toll quality solution that was affordable (free domestic calls) and effective. Although this was not a feature that was currently placed on the Riviera's units, it could easily be modified at any time in the future. In the meantime, there were certain customizations that existed on the Riviera units, providing custom links to sites such as Riviera's room reservations and their show box office.

Another novel feature that was to be added to the Internet Corner and More, was the entire Microsoft Office Suites product. TouchNSurf was currently engineering the integration of MS Office to be included within the software interface. This provided access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files for users to take advantage of.

"Customization is a must in the field of Internet kiosks. To have a cookie cutter static software is doing a real injustice to the users. It is this understanding of consumer needs that has made TouchNSurf the choice of the Riviera, amongst others, and positioned us at the forefront of the Internet kiosk market." - Shervin Rashti

In 2001, An Evening At La Cage was $29.95, Crazy Girls was $24.95, and Riviera Comedy Club was $17.95.

For New Years Eve, An Evening At La Cage was at 10:15pm. Tickets were $70 including unlimited drinks and party favors.

Splash was $42.40+tax for reserved seating. The amount of $51.50+ tax for VIP reserved seating. 2001 New Year's Eve had a 10:30pm show. Tickets were $90.90 including 2 drinks or a Split of Champagne and party favors.

In 2001, the Royale Pavilion showcased Blood, Sweat & Tears (9/28-29), Maynard Ferguson (1/6), Tony Orlando (9/1-2), Bobby Vee, Tommy Roe & The Tymes (8/10-11), and Village People (4/20-21). Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons brought in 2002 with the Riviera Orchestra plus special appearances by Cher & Neil Diamond impersonators. Doors opened at 7:30pm. Tickets were $210 including a gourmet dinner, unlimited drinks, and party favors.

On December 11, 2001, Royale Pavilion showcased Colors of Christmas w/Sheena Easton/Oleta Adams/Michael McDonald/Peabo Bryson (12/11). Tickets were $50 each plus taxes/fees. Michael McDonald was part of the first Colors of Christmas performance benefitting UNICEF's relief efforts in Somalia in 1992. Five time Grammy Award winner McDonald was previously with the Doobie Brothers (What a Fool Believes, Minute by Minute, Takin' It To The Streets), had such hit songs such as On My Own, Sweet Freedom, and I Keep Forgettin. McDonald also had guest performances on recordings by Quincy Jones (USA for Africa), Steely Dan, Patti La Belle, Kenny Loggins, Ambrosia, James Ingram, Christopher Cross, and Toto to name a few. His release of Blue Obsession marked his first album in seven years.

Sheena Easton's career spanned 21 years. She received two Grammys and was the first artist to have top five records on the Billboard charts. Easton took her concerts to the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and Taipei. On Broadway, Easton starred as Aldonza Dulcinea in Man of La Muncha, and Rizzo in Grease. More recently, Easton starred with David Cassidy in Copacabana at the Rio in Vegas.

Olta Adams obtained success in 1990 with her album Circle of One and her hit single Get Here. Her second album Evolution sent her on the road with Luther Vandross. Among its stand-out selections: a jazz/gospel cover of Billy Joe's New York State of Mind, and blues-enriched interpretation of James Taylor's Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight.

Top of the Riv showcased Louie Anderson (6/5-7 & 7/2-6), The Amazing Jonathan (5/25-27), Blood, Sweat & Tears (9/28-29), Brett Butler (3/2-3 & 8/3-4), Jeff Dunham (5/26-27), D.L. Hughley (1/26-27; & 9/21-22), Jackie The Joke Man Martling (9/21-22), and Christopher Titus (6/29-30). To bring in 2002, a disc jockey was there 10:00pm to 2:00am. Tickets were $105 including unlimited drinks, hors d'oeurves, and party favors.

Comedy Club featured the KXTE XXXtreme Comedy Showcase with Denny Moore (1/19-10); Billy Gardell (3/23-24), Khris Francis (4/27-28), Sheila Kay (8/24-25), Otto & George (5/25-26), John Pizzi (7/20-21), Sean Rouse/Monty Hoffman (12/14-15), Patty Roseborrow (6/22-23), Craig Shoemaker (11/30-12/2), and Doug Stanhope (10/26-27).

The Comedy Club also showcased Amy Barnes/Tom Simmons (3/5-11), Bruce Baum (7/23-29), Alonzo Bodden/John Di Rosta/Chuck Cason (4/2-8), Lenny Clarke/Gerry Bednob/Carie Karavas (6/4-10), John Caponera (8/13-19), Jim David/Mike Saccone/Chris Barnes/Jeff Capri (6/18-24), Vic Dunlop/Phil Palisoul/Danny Bevins (3/19-25), Diane Ford, Sandy Hackett (son of Buddy Hackett) (9/10-16), Stanley & Jim McHugh (4/23-29), Greg Hahn/Carol Siskind/Russ Rivas/Dan Horn (2/5-12), Rich Hall/BT/Harris Peet (6/25-7/1), Dan Horn (12/3-9), Joey Kola/Tim Jones/Dan Grueter (7/9-15), Mickey Manners/Debi Guttierrez/Bill Hildebrant (4/9-15), Steve McGrew/Jon Manfrellotti/Dean Larit (4/16-22), Tom McGillen/Kelly Moran/Patrick Candelaria (6/11-17), John Mendoza (11/5-11), O'Brien & Valdez/Marty Rackham/Tony Ricco/JR Brow (3/12-18), Todd Paul/Cruce Clark/Kracy Khris Francis (4/27-28), John Pizzi (7/20-21), Sammy Shore (10/29-11/4), Bobby Slayton (10/26-28), Mark Sweet & Ted (5/14-20), Willie Tyler & Lester/Mitchell Walters/Danny Villapando (4/30-5/6), Gary Valentine (5/7-13), and Jimmie "JJ" Walker (11/19-25). Appearing New Years Eve was Steve McGrew, Jon Manfrellotti & Bruce Clark. The show started at 10:30pm. Tickets were $60 including unlimited drinks and party favors.

We all know Sammy Shore as a Strip veteran but the younger generation will probably connect him with his equally famous son Pauly Shore. Sammy's film credits included "History of the World, Part I," "Rosie", "Texas Across The River", and "Thunder Alley."

Le Bistro Lounge showcased Tribute to Elvis starring Jim LeBoeuf every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 4:00 to 7:30pm, and Lon Bronson and his All Star Band every Saturday night beginning at 1:00am., Jazz on the Strip was every Monday night from 9:00pm to midnight, hosted by Don Gordon (two drink minimum), and Jon Washington's Sounds of the Fortunes thru 4/22. On July 9, 2001, the 7th Anniversary of Jazz on the Strip took place with Billy Berry's Tribute to Duke Ellington, The Jimmy Wilkins Big Band, The Don Menza & Joe Lano Quintet, and Kitty Margolis. To bring in 2002, Touch of Silk appeared at 8:00pm. Tickets were $55 including party favors and two drinks. The Lon Bronson All Star Band played at 2:00am. This was free of charge with a two drink minimum.

Mark Sweet the "Happy Hypnotist" appeared on It's Gary Shandling's Show, The Today Show, the Merv Griffin Show, and as M.C. on the revised versions of CBS' House Party. Sweet had been the representative for General Motors for 23 years. Recently, Sweet was chosen to portray Dr. Pepper for the company's 100th anniversary celebration. Other corporate credits included McDonald's, Chrysler and Ford Corporations, General Electric, Kellogg, Magavox, and Lipton Co. Appearing with Sweet was "Ted". Ted played all the top comedy clubs on the West Coast. He was the opening act for Drew Carey, Jerry Seinfeld, Damon Wayans, David Spade, Jay Leno and Rodney Dangerfield. Ted had been a radio personality in Los Angeles since 1989. Ted's TV credits included USA's Up All Night, TNT's Night Flight, and FOX's Comic Strip Live.