Even though Governor Jim Gibbons was unable to attend two significant Las Vegas fundraiser events this week due to illness, his supporters were out not in full formal regalia (Friday night’s black tie event at Southern Highlands Country Club) but in Levi’s and T-shirts for Saturday night’s spectacular John Fogarty concert at the same country club. While the attendance list was studded with some of the most influential and, yes, famous, residents of Glitter Gulch, perhaps due to the casual dress code, the atmosphere was completely relaxed and utterly festive.
The two-hour nonstop concert by John Fogarty and his band had even the most reserved and conservative gettin’ down to true boogying on the tiny dance floor. Yours truly went for a quick spin on the third song of the night then remained glued for the duration to within two feet of one the most masterful guitarists to emerge from early rock and roll. Fogarty will soon celebrate his 64th birthday (May 28) but his stamina, his voice, and his talent put scores of much younger rockers to shame.
Last night I became a somewhat rock and roll groupie for the first time in my life. Same with the seventy-year old grandmother beside me who couldn’t keep still. John Fogerty brought our youth back—if only for one brief evening.
Among the many persons of interest at Saturday night’s fundraiser: Sherman Frederick, publisher of the Las Vegas Review Journal, Denny Weddle, Weddle and Associates, professional keynote speaker and author, Jack Sheehan (not only an accomplished speaker and writer but also one heck of a good dancer I discovered), A-list hostesses of note, and scores of seated and retired judges.
The southern Highlands Country club boasts one of the better club layouts (and view of the city) I’ve seen. The staff and the pre-concert extended buffet were superb. Following the concert a lavish spread of coffee, candy, and pastry stations was provided for the happily footsore, nostalgic revelers.
