I kissed Elvis Saturday night—twice. I also sat at the same table as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Tom Jones was within touching distance. No, kissing Elvis wasn’t an erotic dream. Nor were the other stars figments of my fevered imagination. Rather, the kissing was a photo op at a particularly fun media event at Smith & Wolensky’s on the Strip that was hosted by www.bookitinvegas.com., and complemented by the celebrity impersonators.
2010 is only a few weeks old and yet I’ve been with Elvis twice this year. The first time was in Palm Springs over New Year’s Eve weekend. How strange to flee Vegas for the holiday, only to find Elvis on the patio of a popular Mexican restaurant. However, truth be told, dancing with that particular Elvis was nothin’ like being kissed by the one last night.
Elvis Presley was a bit B.C. (Before Christine) I never did see him perform—I had no real desire to when I was in my teens. I distinctly remember the day Elvis died: Most likely because it was the same day as a first date with a soon to become very significant boyfriend.
When I moved to Vegas in the early 80’s it was apparent I had moved to the land of the Elvi. Impersonators too numerous to mention abounded on The Strip. Then, the Flying Elvi debuted in the movie Honeymoon in Vegas in the early nineties. The ten parachuting Presley’s were a hit before they even touched the ground.
I hired an Elvis for my former husband’s surprise 5-0. I wasn’t aware at the time of how many different Elvi one could choose from. I was asked if I wanted a very young Elvis, a slim Elvis, or a later-as-in-heavier-version. No dummy me; I picked the youngest and hottest—very much like the Elvis who kissed me. My spouse, an avid fan, had no idea when he answered the front door that he’d be greeted by Elvis singing, “You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog!”
There is more to Las Vegas than gambling and Elvi. The night before The Kiss (es), I attended a soiree in honor of Society of Seven and Jasmine Trias at The Gold Coast Hotel and Casino. The showroom was packed with an enthusiastic audience of friends, stars and media persons. The Hawaiian variety act combines comedy sketches and impersonations with lively music and dance; standards, Top 40, and Broadway. Trias, of American Idol fame, is a talented and lovely addition.
Talent blankets this city like a carpet. Where but in Vegas could you ask Robert Goulet (alas, the gentleman is gone) to karaoke at a party? Or play tennis with Gladys Knight at the local sports club? For each radiant star there are scores who just can’t seem to make the big lights for whatever reasons. But they can be found in casino lounges, at conventions, and at private parties. They can be found entertaining (and sometimes kissing) a suddenly ardent, and starry-eyed fan.
