Clint Holmes a hit with star-studded audience and the New York Times in Feinstein’s appearance

By John Katsilometes

Friday, April 22, 2011 | 10:07 p.m.

Clint Holmes has picked up what they term in sports as a road victory with his opening at Feinstein’s at Lowes Regency in New York.

In attendance Thursday night, the first show in a four-performance engagement, were Liza Minnelli, Harry Belafonte, Michael Feinstein, former New York Mayor David Dinkins, jazz great (and Henderson resident) Dee Dee Bridgewater, famed songwriter-composer Leslie Bricusse and esteemed Las Vegas entertainer Kelly Clinton Holmes, who doubles as Holmes’ wife.

Backed by a just a trio (bassist, drummer and pianist) in the cozy space, Holmes drew four standing ovations and earned the praise of New York Times reviewer Stephen Holden, who wrote of the 64-year-old Sammy Davis Jr. disciple, “His high-energy singing is a friendly frontal assault whose sheer enthusiasm softens your resistance.”

Having known Holmes for years, I can verify that his sheer enthusiasm never fails in its resistance-softening properties.

But the review (and read it here) was a deservedly laudatory testament to Holmes’ stirring, autobiographical stage show. Also noted, and this was new information to me, was that Holmes’ lone hit, “Playground in My Mind,” reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts in 1973, pinned between Paul McCartney’s “My Love” at No. 1 and Elton John’s “Daniel” at No. 3.

I’m thinking what you’re thinking: Medley.

Regardless, I can’t wait to see Holmes again in Las Vegas, either at our favorite haunt, the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place, or a hotel-casino showroom. It’s been too long between gigs.

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