Tuesday, April 29, 2008 | 2 a.m.
Fans and friends contributed more than $20,000 to the recent fundraiser for legendary lounge entertainer Norman Kaye — $17,000 during a concert in which dozens of veteran Vegas entertainers performed.
Kaye is the last surviving member of the Mary Kaye Trio. Mary, his sister, died last year. The trio arrived in Las Vegas and began performing in lounges several years before Louis Prima and his troupe began at the Sahara in 1954.
The 82-year-old retired entertainer suffered a stroke and is in a rehabilitation center. Medical coverage and cash were running out and he was facing eviction when his plight came to light.
His wife, Barbara, brought Kaye to the event at the Orleans and took him back to the rehabilitation center.
Entertainers donated their time — each spending a few minutes onstage performing for an almost sold-out house.
Nelson Sardelli, who enlisted the support of a host of entertainers, said plans are under way for a celebrity auction to help raise more money for Kaye. Boyd Gaming contributed the room, printing of the tickets and technical support.
Holmes to get Prima Award
Popular Vegas entertainer Clint Holmes will receive the Louis Prima Award from the Showbiz Society on Sunday.
Officials with the society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and assisting entertainers, say the award will be given annually to Las Vegas entertainers who most represent the standards set by the legendary Louis Prima. Past recipients include Bill Medley and Tony Curtis.
Prima’s daughter Lena will present the award. She will auction her original charcoal portrait of her dad and donate the profits to the Showbiz Society. Other Lena Prima artworks will be raffled off.
Details: Noon Sunday; Madrid Room, The Suncoast; $50 for members, $75 for the public; 877-2278, theshowbizsociety.com
Around Town
The Darin Lifetime Events Group will hold a benefit concert Sunday featuring local singer Robert S. Ensler and several musicians who played with Bobby Darin. The group raises money for the Children’s Heart Foundation. (2 p.m. Sunday; Alexis Park Resort; $15; 967-3522, Darin Lifetime Events Group Web site) ... Norm Johnson, newspaperman and publicist for casinos and entertainers such as Robert Goulet and Willie Nelson, is well-known as the founder, in 1968, of the Mint 400 Off-Road Desert Race. But he also is gaining fame as a sculptor. His bronze sculptures of the Wild West and sea creatures will be shown at the 11th annual Henderson ArtFest. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 10-11, Water Street, downtown Henderson; free) ... The Center for Creative Therapeutic Arts will hold a fundraising event May 9. The group uses music and art in therapy programs to help individuals of all ages deal with learning disabilities, depression and other health-related conditions. (3:30 to 5:30 p.m. May 9, Stirling Club at Turnberry Towers, $65, 363-8166, Center for Creative Therapeutic Arts Web site.)
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