Las Vegas Weekly

May 4, 2009 · 10:09 AM

Strip Scribbles: Larry King keeps visit to Las Vegas on track despite death

By Robin Leach

Nathan Burton and (in intimate attire) Larry King.

Photo: Nathan Burton

CNN talk show host Larry King originally was headed here with a group of family and friends because his wife, former Utah beauty queen Shawn Southwick, was due to sing a medley of Motown hits as a guest star with impressionist Danny Gans at his Encore theater Friday night. Sadly, as you all know, Danny died in his sleep early Friday morning.

Danny had appeared on The Larry King Show in February when he opened his new run of shows at Steve Wynn’s resort and invited Shawn to join him for the guest-singing spot. Shawn had flown in last week for rehearsals.

Despite the sadness, Larry decided to follow through with his Vegas plans. He also was spotted taking his family and friends to Society Cafe in the Encore, where he ran into top Beverly Hills attorney Robert Shapiro, who was in town for the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight.

*The new documentary Burning Down the House: The Legend of CBGB’s, was unveiled over the weekend at Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. The documentary won rave reviews from critics, and that’s pleasing to me because CBGB owner Hilly Kristal had asked me about opening a branch of the legendary underground rock club here in downtown Las Vegas. Hilly even flew out here, and we gave him a limo tour of various sites.

Hilly knew the longtime lease would eventually be pulled on his Bowery establishment despite his attempt to claim it a historical landmark to stop the wrecking ball. The club began its eclectic life in 1973 and closed with Patti Smith in October 2006. I agreed with the filmmakers a year ago to do a lengthy interview about Hilly and his determination to move the fixtures and furnishings to Vegas, and although he died before that party of his dream came true, it’s nice to know I didn’t wind up on the cutting room floor and the tale is told in the new film.

Star surveillance

Luxor headliner comedian Carrot Top caught a few rays at the new Daydream Pool in The M Resort. … Proud new parents Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz partied at Studio 54 in MGM Grand. … Dining at separate tables in Strip House at Planet Hollywood were supermodel Janice Dickinson, TV host Mario Lopez and Entourage star Jeremy Liven. ... Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding guest co-stars Kato Kaelin and Frank Marino hit Krave in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile after appearing in the show. … David Arquette enjoyed a late lunch and the scenery at the tops-optional Bare Pool Lounge in The Mirage. … Girls Gone Wild headline maker Joe Francis was poolside at the Hard Rock Hotel with a beautiful blonde. … Hollywood Brat Pack member Anthony Michael Hall ordered a monstrous breakfast of sun-dried tomatoes, basil and goat cheese scramble with chicken and waffles at Hash House A Go Go.

Tonight’s tips

If you think you’re seeing double after a couple of drinks at Jet in The Mirage, you are! The nightspot is playing host to terrible twins, terrific twins, temptress twins, tall twins, tiny twins -- you name it. The hottest set of female twins divides up $5,000 simply for showing up. ... Ashanti is a late booking to host a pre-Cinco de Mayo party at Prive in Planet Hollywood. … Carey Hart’s new tattoo parlor at the Hard Rock Hotel hosts a Cinco de Mayo Eve party at the pool.

Tomorrow’s teases

Previews of The Lion King musical begin at Mandalay Bay, and we’ve got a sneak peek at the staggering Disney production. We also have the full rundown of Cinco de Mayo celebrations, plus our exclusive interview with Playboy’s new Playmate of the Year Ida Ljungqvist as we untangle Hef’s tangled love life now that Holly Madison says she’s definitely not returning to The Playboy Mansion!

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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