March 21st, 2007 / VOL. 2 NO. 12

BARRY CHECKING IN FOR AFAN
Barry Manilow and the Manilow Fund for Health & Hope have committed $25,000 to the 17th Annual Las Vegas AIDS Walk (scheduled for Sunday, April 15). The contribution consists of a $15,000 donation from the Manilow Fund and a commitment to raise $10,000 through the Manilow Fund AIDS Walk team. This year’s walk also features the Manilow Fund Challenge, awarding tickets to “Manilow: Music and Passion” at the Las Vegas Hilton and other Manilow gifts to the top three fundraising teams or individuals. Barry, whose long-term engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton extends through 2008, is currently performing in the Hilton Theater through March 24, then returns April 3-7, 17-21, and 25-28.

PISCOPO ON FILM
Joe Piscopo, who headlines in Shimmer Cabaret at the Las Vegas Hilton (Sundays-Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m.) with Vincent Falcone and his sextet, has had a busy and varied film career. His work on SNL quite naturally led to Hollywood, and starring roles in such smash hits as “Wise Guys” (with Danny DeVito) and “Johnny Dangerously” (with Michael Keaton). Other film credits include “Dead Heat,” “Sidekicks” and the independent feature films “Two Bits & Pepper,” Roger Corman’s “Demolition Day,” “The Last Request” (with Danny Aiello) and a dramatic, critically-acclaimed performance in Jonathan Parker’s “Bartleby.”

PAUSING FOR THE BEST
Four cast members from Menopause The Musical® (Paige O'Hara, Annette Verdolino, Sandra Benton, and Cheryl Spencer) will be presenting one of the “Best” awards at this Saturday’s annual Las Vegas Review-Journal’s "Best of Las Vegas Awards Show." MTM recently celebrated its second successful year at the Las Vegas Hilton. Showtimes are Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 7:00 p.m., Wed. 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m., and Sat. & Sun 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

SINGING, WRITING, AND MEMORIES
Zowie Bowie, singer Delisco, author Betty Mahalik, and Loanne Parker, the widow of Col. Tom Parker, join Ira on this Monday’s “Lunchtime With Ira, Live From The Las Vegas Hilton.” Ira talks with the celebrities, entertainers, writers and personalities who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world. "Lunchtime With Ira” can be heard 24/7 at LVHilton.com. Check website for TV/radio broadcasts in your area. Watch it at WatchItVegas.com.

BIG PLAYER ON RADIO
Ken Eininger, the world champion blackjack player (who also plays poker), joins Rodd William Stowell and Marc Nelson, Hilton poker room manager, on this Friday’s edition of “Poker, Straight From The Hilton” (3 p.m. on KLAV, 1230 on the AM dial, and archived on www.lvhilton.com).

HOW SWEET (16) IT IS
The men’s basketball championship is down to the last 16 teams and the Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook has all the sweet odds. The defending champions from Florida remain the favorite at 5-2 with contenders Kansas and North Carolina right behind them at 5-1. Other contenders include Ohio State and UCLA at 8-1 and Georgetown at 7-1. The local favorites, UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, are a long shot of taking the crown at 50-1. The SuperBook also has props, regional odds, plus 1st/2nd half wagering on all the games.

TAKE A POWDER AT THE HILTON
The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), a national, non-profit association open to all privately-owned schools of cosmetology arts and sciences, is having their Spring Management Conference at the Las Vegas Hilton, March 25-26. AACS specializes in updating members, through a series of seminars, conferences, and conventions held throughout the year, with information about new teaching methods and current industry events. The Annual Cosmetology Educators of America Convention is focused on the information and skills for cosmetology instructors and is the only national convention exclusively for cosmetology school instructors.

IT’S A BIG TENT!
A 4,000 square foot tent will be erected in the valet parking area of the Las Vegas Hilton this Sunday to accommodate 800 people for dinner. The occasion? The Car Care World Expo (International Car Wash Association) meeting citywide March 26-28. The association serves the needs of the car wash and detailing industry’s professionals and represents their interests.