Las Vegas Weekly

April 29, 2009 · 11:27 AM

Strip Scribbles: Barry Manilow donates musical instruments to schools

By Robin Leach

Barry Manilow.

Photo: Rob Shanahan

Superstar singer, songwriter and pianist Barry Manilow answered a cry for help from students at schools near his Palm Springs, Calif., home by donating musical instruments from his Manilow Music Project. Now Barry’s going to do the same here in Las Vegas and in other cities. He even welcomed his Palms Springs neighborhood students to his Ultimate Manilow: The Hits show at the Las Vegas Hilton. Barry gathered a group of showbiz pals, and with the help of Yamaha, they sent instruments to 21 schools in the Coachella Valley.

“I am so happy to help the kids and the schools. Anyone can do it. Anyone! Just call your local elementary or high school and talk to the music director; see what they need. You can send them a set of drums or used trumpets that are in your basement, and that would make all the difference in the world to young kids. That is the key, helping the kids and making a difference in their lives and their future,” Barry said.

*Hotel mogul Steve Wynn proudly introduced his new English girlfriend Andrea Hissom to Michael Douglas and late-night TV talk show host Jimmy Fallon before they left the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel yesterday. Click HERE for our story yesterday on their first public appearance in L.A.

*Legendary entertainer Cher is giving locals a special seating upgrade offer on her performances at Caesars Palace through May 20. Fans who purchase tickets in the second mezzanine level will receive a complimentary upgrade to first mezzanine seating, and those who purchase tickets in the first mezzanine will receive a complimentary upgrade to rear orchestra seating. The upgrade offer is valid for every performance except Saturday shows. Tickets start at $95, and the upgrade offer -- subject to availability -- represents a savings of as much as $45.

*To boost summer tourism, the downtown Fremont Street Experience has lined up an extraordinary schedule of artists for the 108 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and it’s all free! The clock gets turned back 40 years to the summer of 1969 with a brilliant promotion titled “Vegas or Bust.” Some of the guest stars and bands include The Guess Who, Blood Sweat & Tears, Three Dog Night, the 5th Dimension and Canned Heat. Even the group that started rock and roll -- Bill Haley’s Comets -- will be performing!

Star surveillance

Peepshow star Kelly Monaco, Dancing With the Stars Season One champion and still commuting for her General Hospital tapings in L.A., was at the tops-optional Bare Pool Lounge in The Mirage yesterday soaking up the sun with friends. Next to them in his VIP cabana was R&B singer and producer Ray J, who joined them for our photos. … Rapper Ray J also enjoyed dinner at Strip House in Planet Hollywood before his stint as guest deejay at Prive there. … Actor and comedian Pauly Shore dined at N9NE Steakhouse at the Palms, content in the lounge with a glass of wine, the signature rock shrimp and spice-crusted big tuna before going up to The Playboy Club. … Also at The Playboy Club were Heroes actors Masi Oka and Milo Ventimiglia in a party with eight others, plus Seattle Seahawks wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh Jr. with his wife and two friends.

Tonight’s tips

Wayne Newton closes his current run of shows at MGM’s Hollywood Theater as he readies his 50th showbiz anniversary celebrations. … Hip-hop rapper Tone Loc performs live at Rok Vegas in New York-New York. … Hard Nox performs at The Beatles Revolution lounge in The Mirage. … The fire-breathing rock stunt show with the Fuel Girls is at Krave in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile.

Tomorrow’s teases

We congratulate Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton, as he plans to celebrate his 50th anniversary in show business. That is one stunning achievement! … Playboy founder Hugh Hefner returns here for the first-ever unveiling in Las Vegas of the new Playmate of the Year -- and confesses that he’s still in love with Holly Madison and wants her back in the Playboy Mansion! … Meet the 12 best-dressed men of Las Vegas, and the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Championship heats up the schedule again!

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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